GENEVA, December 19, 2025 (WAFA) — More than 1,000 patients in Gaza have died while waiting to be medically evacuated since mid-2024, the World Health Organization said on Friday, warning that the actual number is likely higher.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that 1,092 patients died while awaiting medical evacuation between July 2024 and November 2025, amid continued restrictions on movement and the collapse of Gaza’s health system.
According to the WHO, since October 2023 the organization and its partners have facilitated the evacuation of more than 10,600 patients from Gaza suffering from severe health conditions, including over 5,600 children, all in need of advanced and life-saving treatment.
Tedros called on more countries to accept patients from Gaza and urged the restoration of medical evacuation routes to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, stressing that delays continue to cost lives.
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