WHO halts Gaza medical evacuations after aid contractor shot dead

The funeral for Majdi Aslan

Medical evacuations from Gaza have been abruptly suspended after a contractor working with the World Health Organization was killed by Israeli troops near the Rafah crossing.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed that the aid worker died in what he described as a “security incident” in southern Gaza Strip.

The decision to halt evacuations threatens a fragile humanitarian lifeline for thousands of critically ill Palestinians trapped inside the enclave.

Aid Worker Killed During Medical Transfer

Local officials identified the contractor as Majdi Aslan, 54, who was reportedly driving a WHO-rented vehicle as part of a convoy transporting patients toward the Rafah Crossing.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, the vehicle came under Israeli fire while operating in the south of the territory.

Israel’s military said soldiers had identified an “unmarked vehicle” approaching their position near the so-called Yellow Line marking Israeli-held territory. Troops fired warning shots before opening fire when the vehicle continued moving, the military said, adding the incident is under review.

Evacuation Route Shuts — Thousands Left Waiting

In response, the WHO has suspended medical evacuations to Egypt until further notice.

Regional director Hanan Balkhy said the killing was a “devastating loss” and warned the halt was severing a critical pathway to care.

More than 18,000 patients in Gaza are currently waiting for permission to leave the territory for treatment abroad, according to hospitals and humanitarian groups.

Witnesses Dispute Israeli Account

At Al-Aqsa Hospital, colleagues said the vehicle was clearly marked with the WHO logo and leading a co-ordinated convoy.

Raed Aslan, a relative and fellow worker, said an Israeli tank fired directly at the driver. “The driver is the one who paid the price for the situation we are living in,” he said.

Doctors at the hospital said Aslan had been helping co-ordinate the transfer of sick and wounded patients when the convoy came under fire.

Fragile Ceasefire Under Renewed Strain

The Rafah crossing reopened earlier this year as part of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel after months of closure.

Israeli authorities say about 1,150 people have exited Gaza through the crossing in the past two months.

But violence continues despite the truce. Gaza’s health ministry says more than 700 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, while Israel says five of its soldiers have died in militant attacks.

With evacuations now halted, the narrow corridor for lifesaving care has once again slammed shut.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g8pzpw2g2o