ISTANBUL 

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Wednesday that 97 patients and critically wounded people from the Gaza Strip were medically evacuated for treatment to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Tedros shared details about the medical evacuation carried out in Gaza under intense Israeli attacks on X.

"WHO, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and partners, today evacuated 97 sick and severely injured patients and 155 companions from Gaza in the largest medical evacuation since October 2023," he said.

"Patients were transported via Kerem Shalom to Ramon Airport in Israel for onward travel to Abu Dhabi for specialized care," he added.

Tedros noted that the "patients included 45 children and 52 adults with a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, congenital anomalies, blood and liver diseases, and trauma/injuries."

Despite severe operational challenges and security concerns, the WHO and its partners ensured the transfer of the patients, setting up a receiving facility at the European Gaza Hospital.

"This highly complex operation was completed under immense time pressure to bring all patients together," said Tedros.

He noted that a special mission "was conducted to ensure 8 patients and 12 companions were transferred from Gaza City to the European Gaza Hospital just in time for the evacuation, as well as to deliver fuel for the ongoing polio vaccination."

Expressing gratitude to the UAE government for their collaboration, he said: "We urge for evacuation corridors to be established via all possible routes."

"Ultimately, the best care for all patients is a cease-fire.”