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WHO evacuates nearly 200 from Gaza as thousands still await medical exit

23.10.2025 14:00
The World Health Organization evacuated nearly 200 people from Gaza, including 41 in critical condition, and urged countries to help the sickest leave as thousands remain on waiting lists.
Palestinian children watch as the remains and bodies of unidentified Palestinians, returned by Israel, are laid in a mass grave during their burial in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, 22 October 2025. The return of deceased Palestinian prisoners by Israel is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that took effect on 10 October 202
Palestinian children watch as the remains and bodies of unidentified Palestinians, returned by Israel, are laid in a mass grave during their burial in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, 22 October 2025. The return of deceased Palestinian prisoners by Israel is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that took effect on 10 October 202Photo: EPA/HAITHAM IMAD

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization evacuated close to 200 people from the Gaza Strip, with 41 patients severely ill or wounded in Israeli strikes or suffering chronic diseases such as cancer and heart conditions.

The remainder were accompanying relatives.

Since the war began, more than 7,000 patients have been evacuated, over half to Egypt, WHO said.

About 15,000 severely ill and wounded people still await medical evacuation, including nearly 4,000 children.

Evacuations have dropped since Israel closed the Rafah crossing with Egypt in May 2024, the agency added.

WHO warned the current numbers are far too low. According to the organization, 740 people — including 137 children — have died since July last year while waiting to leave for treatment.

In a separate development, the International Court of Justice ruled on Wednesday that Israel is obliged to support UN-led aid operations in Gaza, including by UNRWA.

Eleven judges found Israel had not sufficiently substantiated claims that many UNRWA staff were members of Hamas. The court also said Israel may not use starvation as a method of warfare.

“This ruling comes as we are doing everything possible to scale up our humanitarian assistance for Gaza. Its impact is crucial for responding to the tragic situation civilians still face,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres told reporters in Geneva.

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Source: Polskie Radio 24, PAP