Medical evacuations from Gaza have been suspended by the World Health Organization (WHO) after a contracted staff member was killed in a security incident.
In a post on X, WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the organisation was “devastated” to confirm that a person working under contract to provide services in Gaza was killed during the incident on Monday.
He added that two WHO staff members were present at the scene but were not injured.
Following the development, the agency announced the immediate suspension of medical evacuations of patients from Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, saying the process would remain on hold until further notice.
The UN health agency did not provide further details about the incident, but Tedros said relevant authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
He also called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones.
