WHO announces largest medical evacuation from Gaza since Oct. 7

In coordination with partners, the WHO evacuated 97 critically ill and injured patients from Gaza to Abu Dhabi for specialized care. Among the evacuees were 45 children suffering from diseases like cancer, severe trauma, and other serious injuries.

"This was the largest evacuation since October 2023," said Rik Peeperkorn, WHO's representative for the Palestinian territories. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the success of this "highly complex operation" despite major security challenges.

The patients and 155 companions were first moved from four Gaza locations to a central hospital before being flown to Abu Dhabi. The extraction was particularly difficult for patients in northern Gaza. "We had a very small window," Peeperkorn explained.

The WHO estimates over 10,000 people require urgent medical evacuation. By July 23, it determined at least 22,500 people in Gaza had suffered "life-changing injuries," including amputations and other severe trauma. Peeperkorn updated the number to around 24,000 by Thursday.

The report revealed 13,455 to 17,550 severe limb injuries, with 3,105 to 4,050 limb amputations. Many patients also sustained spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and major burns.

Peeperkorn warned that Gaza's health system is collapsing, with only 17 of 36 hospitals even partially operational, and primary care often unavailable. The only limb reconstruction and rehabilitation center in Gaza stopped functioning in December due to a lack of supplies and specialists.

"Much of the rehabilitation workforce in Gaza is now displaced," WHO said, noting 39 physiotherapists had been killed as of May 10. Peeperkorn stressed that patients are not getting the care they need, and urgent support is essential to address the massive rehabilitation needs.