WHO‑facilitated evacuations have moved more than 740 patients from Gaza; thousands still need care, UN says

Summary

The UN said WHO has facilitated evacuation of more than 740 patients (including 432 children) since the ceasefire, while about 18,500 patients — roughly 4,000 children — still urgently need medical evacuations; the spokesperson blamed access restrictions and called on more states to accept referrals.

At the Feb. 26 United Nations press briefing, the spokesperson outlined continuing humanitarian and medical access challenges in Gaza. She said the deputy special coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory was on a two‑day visit to Gaza to assess humanitarian access and delivery.

The spokesperson cited World Health Organization figures saying more than 740 patients, including 432 children, have been evacuated through crossing points since the ceasefire. "However, over 18,500 patients, including 4,000 children, still urgently need medical evacuations," she said.

Steph described the main obstacles as restricted access at checkpoints, bureaucratic hurdles and insufficient member‑state acceptance of referrals for specialized care. She urged member states to accept more patients and called for restoration and rehabilitation of Gaza’s health system to reduce reliance on evacuations.

When pressed, the spokesperson said evacuating severely ill patients requires careful coordination — noting the need to ensure onward transport and treatment capacity in receiving countries and to enable patients’ return to Gaza when care is completed.