More than 100 patients, including children, were set to be evacuated from the Gaza Strip as part of a rare medical operation organized during the Israel-Hamas conflict. This significant evacuation, announced by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the dire medical conditions facing many Gazans amid the prolonged warfare.
On Tuesday, WHO representative Rik Peeperkorn revealed plans for the departure of these patients, noting they suffer from serious conditions such as trauma injuries and chronic diseases. The patients will exit through the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel and eventually fly to the United Arab Emirates, with some continuing on to Romania. Peeperkorn stressed the ad hoc nature of this evacuation, emphasizing the need for sustained medical evacuations rather than sporadic measures.
Since May, less than 300 individuals have been allowed to leave Gaza for medical reasons, developing deep concern among health officials as the situation worsens. Over 12,000 people are reportedly still waiting for medical transfers, illustrating the urgent demand for more comprehensive health support.
Israel has imposed strict controls on crossings since the conflict escalated after Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023. Cogat, the Israeli military's humanitarian unit, states it operates to boost the medical response within Gaza, yet simultaneously, hospitals there are on the brink of collapse due to bombings, staff shortages, and the lack of supplies.
On Wednesday, following the evacuation announcement, Peeperkorn referred to the conditions at hospitals like the al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals as dire. He raised alarms about the urgent need for fuel and medical supplies, categorizing the relief efforts as merely temporary solutions to wider systemic issues.
Israel and Egypt had initially closed their crossings to Gaza following the conflict's escalation. The WHO indicated around 14,000 medical patients remain stranded, needing urgent care. Since the close of the Rafah crossing, which previously facilitated medical evacuations, only limited movement has been recorded.
Among the evacuated were individuals suffering from various ailments, including cancer and other chronic conditions. The WHO has continued to stress the need for large-scale medical interventions, warning against the apocalyptic conditions described by UN officials. Just recently, calls from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to improve the humanitarian situation or face potential cutbacks on U.S. military aid.
Meanwhile, alongside these medical evacuations, the WHO successfully completed its polio vaccination campaign across Gaza. The initiative aimed to vaccinate over half a million children following the re-emergence of polio—a disease nearly eradicated for decades. The WHO reported nearly 556,770 children had received their vaccinations, showing significant progression against the virus, which can have devastating effects, particularly on young children.
This polio vaccination campaign faced logistical challenges due to the conflict, with government forces clashing with local populations. Interruptions occurred during vaccination efforts, including reports of attacks on hospitals causing fears among health workers and residents. Despite these challenges, WHO officials are adamant about the importance of maintaining public health measures amid the chaos.
The fallout from the conflict continues to reveal severe humanitarian crises. Dr. Marwan Abu Saada, the general manager of Gaza City’s al-Shifa medical complex, outlined how dire the needs of patients remain. He describes children suffering from conditions like leukemia—notably, the kind of cases requiring immediate evacuation for effective treatment elsewhere.
While this recent evacuation has prompted some relief, it is painfully evident to health professionals and Gazan families alike just how minimal these steps are against the mountains of need. For those left behind and still requiring medical care, the nightmares continue, exacerbated by the threats of persistent conflict.
