FIVE critically ill patients were evacuated from Gaza through the Rafah crossing on Monday, marking the first medical evacuation through the border point in more than a year, the World Health Organisation has announced.
The crossing reopened Monday as part of a U.S. peace plan introduced in September 2025, following a closure that lasted throughout most of 2025.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva that the UN health agency and partners facilitated the evacuation of five patients and seven companions to Egypt. WHO’s role focused on ensuring safe patient transfer from Gaza to the border crossing.
However, the five evacuees represent a fraction of the need. More than 18,500 patients in Gaza require specialised medical care currently unavailable in the territory, Lindmeier said.
“We managed to get five out, which is again fantastic, but obviously we need many more,” he said, calling the evacuation a “test” that could signal the start of sustained patient transfers.
Patients awaiting evacuation suffer from severe trauma wounds from the conflict, as well as chronic diseases, including cancer and diabetes, for which treatment is no longer available in Gaza, according to the WHO. Before the conflict, hundreds of patients travelled daily through Rafah for medical treatment.
“18,500 waiting, five managed to get out. Too many stayed behind. That’s not just math — it’s a human disaster for those having to wait,” Lindmeier said.
He noted the tragedy of patients who have died awaiting evacuation despite medical help being available just miles beyond the border.
Health authorities on the ground prioritise patients for evacuation and submit lists to security authorities for clearance. Once approved, WHO organises transfers and notifies families, Lindmeier explained.
A major obstacle remains finding countries willing to accept patients, he said, urging more nations to step forward to help evacuate the most vulnerable.
