WHO halts Gaza medical evacuations after worker killed

WHO Suspends Gaza Medical Evacuations After Worker's Death

The World Health Organization (WHO) has suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt after a contract worker was killed by Israeli fire.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that the incident occurred during a security incident, leaving the two other staff members present uninjured.

The WHO did not elaborate on the incident, stating that it is under investigation by the relevant authorities.

The medical evacuation of patients from Gaza via Rafah to Egypt, which was planned for Monday, has been suspended, with further evacuations remaining suspended until further notice.

The WHO chief called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.

The suspension of medical evacuations comes at a critical time, as the Rafah crossing, the only crossing in Gaza not linking to Israel, was reopened in February after a long closure by the Israeli military.

The reopening of the Rafah crossing was a desperately needed step, allowing for the entry of humanitarian supplies and facilitating the evacuation of those in need of medical aid.

However, crossing numbers have been far below expectations due to intense checks by the Israeli authorities, and Israel has continued to limit the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.

Israel has also repeatedly violated the ceasefire that came into force on October 10, following two years of devastating war.

Israel's mission in Geneva stated that troops identified an unmarked vehicle approaching them and posing an immediate threat, firing warning shots in response.

The vehicle continued to accelerate towards the troops, who then responded with additional fire, and a hit was identified, according to Israel's account.