WHO: 16,500 patients in Gaza await medical evacuation

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned of the deteriorating conditions of thousands of wounded Palestinians due to the ongoing siege and closure of crossings. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the number of victims of the Israeli offensive had risen to 69,169.

The WHO stated on Saturday that approximately 16,500 patients in the Gaza Strip are still awaiting evacuation for medical treatment abroad. The organization confirmed that its medical supplies are ready at the border but remain unable to enter due to the closure of the crossings.

The WHO called for the immediate reopening of the Rafah crossing and all other crossings, emphasizing that Rafah is a vital gateway for medical evacuations and a crucial entry point for medical supplies into Gaza. It also demanded the unimpeded flow of aid and that more countries accept patients for treatment.