The World Health Organization has suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt via the Rafah crossing after a contractor was killed by Israeli troops on Monday. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the contractor – named locally as Majdi Aslan, 54 – was killed in a 'security incident', while two other staff were present but not injured. No detailed information about the incident has been disclosed.
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reported that Aslan was driving a WHO-rented vehicle in southern Gaza when it was targeted by Israeli forces. The Israeli military explained that their troops had identified an unmarked vehicle approaching them, posing an immediate threat, which led to warning shots being fired. Despite the warnings, the vehicle continued its approach, resulting in further gunfire that struck the vehicle. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Following the contractor's death, Tedros announced the suspension of evacuations for sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing the need for protection for civilians and humanitarian workers.
WHO's regional director, Hanan Balkhy, described the contractor's killing as a 'devastating loss' and warned that halting medical evacuations cuts off vital care for patients in need.
Concerns regarding the safety of humanitarian operations in Gaza have intensified, especially since many patients are relying on this critical route for medical assistance. The Rafah crossing was reopened in early February for limited movements of people due to a ceasefire, but was shut again after recent escalations in violence in the region. Currently, over 18,000 Palestinian patients are reported to be waiting for treatment outside Gaza.
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reported that Aslan was driving a WHO-rented vehicle in southern Gaza when it was targeted by Israeli forces. The Israeli military explained that their troops had identified an unmarked vehicle approaching them, posing an immediate threat, which led to warning shots being fired. Despite the warnings, the vehicle continued its approach, resulting in further gunfire that struck the vehicle. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Following the contractor's death, Tedros announced the suspension of evacuations for sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing the need for protection for civilians and humanitarian workers.
WHO's regional director, Hanan Balkhy, described the contractor's killing as a 'devastating loss' and warned that halting medical evacuations cuts off vital care for patients in need.
Concerns regarding the safety of humanitarian operations in Gaza have intensified, especially since many patients are relying on this critical route for medical assistance. The Rafah crossing was reopened in early February for limited movements of people due to a ceasefire, but was shut again after recent escalations in violence in the region. Currently, over 18,000 Palestinian patients are reported to be waiting for treatment outside Gaza.
