GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP – In a complex joint operation, 85 severely injured and sick patients from Gaza were evacuated to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), for specialized medical care, marking the largest medical evacuation outside Gaza since October 2023.
The World Health Organization (WHO) partnered with the UAE government and other organizations to facilitate the transfer of 35 children and 50 adults, including 53 cancer patients, 20 trauma victims, and others with critical conditions.
WHO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy expressed gratitude to the UAE for providing lifesaving medical care, emphasizing the need for intra-regional solidarity to support people in the region.
The patients, accompanied by 63 family members and caregivers, were transferred from Gaza via Kerem Shalom to Ramon Airport in Israel, with WHO support.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the UAE’s support and called for the establishment of evacuation corridors through all possible routes, including the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings to Egypt and Jordan.
The evacuation, initially scheduled for July 29, was postponed, posing significant challenges. Despite damaged roads, insecurity, and risks, the WHO team managed the transfer of patients under extremely challenging conditions.
Since October 2023, around 5,000 people have been evacuated for treatment outside Gaza, with over 10,000 more in need of medical evacuation. WHO continues to urge the international community to intensify efforts for safe and organized medical evacuations.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
