WHO reports over 900 deaths in Gaza waiting for medical evacuations; 16,500 patients, including 4,000 children, urgently need treatment abroad
GAZA: The World Health Organisation (WHO) said more than 900 patients have died while waiting for medical evacuations due to Israeli restrictions on issuing travel permits for treatment outside Gaza, the Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported.
The WHO explained that approximately 16,500 patients are still awaiting approval for evacuation, including 4,000 children in urgent need of life-saving medical transfers.
The organisation warned that any further delay in dealing with critical cases equates to a death sentence.
The WHO also noted that hospitals in Gaza are operating at less than half of their capacity due to shortages of fuel, medicines and essential supplies.
Since May 2024, the organisation has carried out 119 evacuation missions, successfully transferring 8,000 patients for treatment outside Gaza, including 5,500 children.
However, thousands of patients remain in dire conditions, facing an uncertain future amid the collapse of the healthcare system. – Bernama-Wafa
