WHO Backs First Gaza Medical Evacuations via Rafah Crossing

(MENAFN) The World Health Organization announced on Tuesday that it had backed the transfer of five ill individuals from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah border point, describing the move as the first set of health-related evacuations using this passage since it was formally reopened.

During a media briefing held in Geneva, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier explained that the mission occurred on Monday and involved five patients accompanied by seven family members or aides.

"WHO and partner supported the medical evacuation of five patients and seven companions to Egypt via the Rafah crossing," he said, calling it "the first medical evacuation through this route since sometime in 2025 after that ceasefire."

Lindmeier noted that the organization’s primary responsibility was to guarantee "the safe transfer of the patients from Gaza to the Rafah crossing."

While expressing appreciation for the recent evacuations, he underlined that the scale of medical needs in Gaza continues to exceed the limited number of patients moved so far.
"Every single patient who manages to get out is important, given the medical situation in Gaza," he said.

"But it's always important to note more than 18,500 patients in Gaza still require specialized medical care that is currently not available," he added. "So of 18,500, we managed to get five out, which is again, fantastic, but obviously we need many more.

"It's a start of a process," the spokesperson said, voicing optimism that the figures would rise "where many more of those who need evacuations can actually leave."

MENAFN03022026000045017167ID1110688687