Medical crisis in Gaza! More than 12,000 people waiting for evacuation
The World Health Organization has announced that hospitals in northern Gaza are struggling with shortages of medical supplies, personnel, and fuel, and that more than 12,000 people are waiting for evacuation. Under Israeli bombardment, more than 100 patients are set to be evacuated today; however, WHO officials are calling for a regular medical evacuation process.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that hospitals in northern Gaza are operating under difficult conditions due to shortages of medical supplies, personnel, and fuel, and that more than 12,000 people are waiting for transfer.
According to statements from WHO officials, more than 100 patients, including children, will be removed from besieged Gaza—where Israeli bombardment continues—today as part of a medical evacuation.
The WHO emphasized that fewer than 300 patients have been able to be evacuated from Gaza since May, when Israel expanded its military operation southward and took control of the Rafah Border Crossing in the south.
Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for the occupied Palestinian territory, said in a statement on Tuesday, November 5, that the patients, including children with trauma wounds and chronic illnesses, would leave the region in a large convoy via the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel. According to WHO arrangements, these patients will then fly from Israel's Ramon Airport to the United Arab Emirates, with some continuing on to Romania.
Peeperkorn pointed out that this process needs to be regularized, stating, "These are temporary measures. We have repeatedly voiced our demand for a continuous medical evacuation process." When asked if the transfer had been approved by Israel, he stated that he hoped Israeli authorities would facilitate the process.
Sharing details about the situation in Gaza, Peeperkorn stated that more than 12,000 people are waiting for evacuation, adding, "We cannot continue like this."
Israel has not yet made an official statement regarding this evacuation plan.
Peeperkorn noted that some aid was delivered to the heavily burdened al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals in northern Gaza via a WHO convoy on November 3. However, he underscored that both hospitals are operating under difficult conditions due to a lack of medical supplies and personnel. Regarding al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia, Peeperkorn said, "The hospital urgently needs fuel and medical supplies; otherwise, it could become non-functional next week," adding that the needs at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia are "enormous" and that there was heavy bombardment near the hospital during his visit.