Over 80 patients evacuated from Gaza in biggest operation of war, says WHO
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Palestinians making their way as they return to the eastern side of Khan Younis after Israeli forces pulled out from the area.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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CAIRO - At least 85 sick and severely injured people from Gaza, including 35 children, were evacuated to Abu Dhabi for specialised care, the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on July 30.
“This extremely complex joint evacuation was supported by the (United Arab Emirates), WHO, and partners. It is the largest medical evacuation since October 2023,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on social media platformX.
The evacuated patients suffered from various severe conditions, including cancer, neurological issues and cardiac diseases. They were accompanied by 63 family members and caregivers, Dr Tedros said.
Gaza’s medical sector has been crippled after a nearly 10-month long military operation, prompted by Hamas’ Oct 7 cross-border attacks on southern Israel
During the conflict, Israel has raided and bombed hospitals, justifying its actions by saying Hamas allegedly uses the facilities for military purposes. Many of them are currently shuttered.
Medical evacuations from Gaza have been rare since May when the main crossing used for medical transfers, Rafah, was shut as Israel stepped up its military operation in southern Gaza.
Previously, the WHO said some 10,000 patients are waiting for evacuation. REUTERS
