WHO Halts Gaza-to-Egypt Medical Evacuations Following Contractor Fatality

The World Health Organization has paused the transport of sick and injured Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah border crossing after a contractor was killed by Israeli forces on Monday. WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the incident occurred during a “security event” and confirmed two staff members were present but unharmed. He provided no additional specifics about the circumstances.

Gaza’s Hamas-led health ministry reported that the deceased, Majdi Aslan, 54, was operating a vehicle rented by the WHO in southern Gaza when it was struck by Israeli troops. The Israeli military claimed its soldiers “recognized an unmarked vehicle nearing them and the Yellow Line, presenting an imminent danger,” referring to the boundary line of Israeli-controlled territory. According to the military, they initially fired warning shots, but the vehicle sped forward, prompting further action that resulted in the collision.

WHO Calls for Civilian Protection Amid Suspension

Tedros announced the temporary halt of medical evacuations through Rafah until more information is available. “We urge the safeguarding of civilians and humanitarian personnel,” he emphasized. Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s regional director, labeled the contractor’s death as “a severe setback” and warned that the suspension could “interrupt vital access to medical treatment for patients.”

“The tank emerged directly and aimed at the driver, intending to halt the vehicle. Three individuals were inside; the driver is the one who endured the consequences of our current situation,” Raed Aslan, a colleague of Majdi, told reporters at Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza. “What ceasefire is this? People are dying every day.”

“Majdi was targeted while facilitating the movement of patients from the Gaza Strip to the Egyptian border,” said Dr. Fathi al-Lulu, a medical professional at the hospital.

The Rafah crossing, which had been mostly sealed since Israeli forces captured the area in May 2024, reopened in early February as part of the October ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, Israeli authorities closed it again on 28 February after the US-Israeli conflict with Iran began, though it was reopened after a 20-day period. Cogat, an Israeli military unit, noted that about 1,150 individuals have passed through the crossing in the last two months, with equal numbers entering and exiting.

Local hospitals and the WHO estimate that over 18,000 Palestinian patients remain in need of evacuation for medical care. Israel and Hamas have both accused each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement, which was reached nearly six months prior. Since the truce began on 10 October, at least 733 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, while the Israeli military reported five of its soldiers lost in attacks by Palestinian groups during the same timeframe.