Egypt Accommodates Critical Patients Evacuated From Gaza Strip

The impact of Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip. (Wikimedia Commons/Palestinian News & Information Agency (Wafa) in contract with APAimages)

JAKARTA - Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed Egypt's decision to evacuate several critically ill and injured people from the Gaza Strip for treatment in Egypt.

"We are working with the Egyptian Ministry of Health in planning medical evacuations and will continue to provide support," Tedros said on the UN's official website.

Tedros' statement came after reports emerged that the Rafah border crossing had been opened in an extraordinary manner on Wednesday, November 1, for the first time since October 7. This opening allowed some injured Palestinians, foreigners and citizens with dual citizenship to leave Gaza.

Rafah is the only entrance to the Gaza Strip that is not controlled by Israel, which has blockaded the Gaza Strip since 2007.

WHO says thousands of civilians in the Gaza Strip need urgent help, including seriously injured children.

In addition, more than 1,000 people need kidney dialysis to stay alive, more than 2,000 people need cancer therapy, 45,000 people suffer from cardiovascular disease, and more than 60,000 people suffer from diabetes.

"These patients must have sustainable access to health services in Gaza. Hospitals and other health facilities must be protected from bombing and military attacks," WHO said.

WHO revealed that before October 7 2023, around 100 patients every day will have to go outside the Gaza Strip to receive special medical treatment that is not available in the Gaza Strip.

“WHO calls for urgent and accelerated access to humanitarian assistance, including fuel, water, food and medical supplies.”