WHO official wants to 'speed up' medical evacuations from Gaza

​​​​​​​By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday urged expediting medical evacuations from the Gaza Strip amid a ceasefire, citing a large number of critically ill patients.

Describing the destruction in Gaza as "beyond belief," Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative for the West Bank and Gaza, said 18 out of 36 hospitals are partially operational.

"The functional health facilities at service are so scarce," Peeperkorn said during a virtual news conference from Gaza.

Saying that no one, including UN personnel, has been unaffected by the situation in Gaza, he said everyone is struggling with anxiety disorders and depression, yet there are only two psychiatrists available in the region.

Peeperkorn noted that some hospitals, rendered non-functional due to attacks, have been able to resume operations rapidly following the ceasefire agreement, and called it "something positive."

Emphasizing that "12,000 and 14,000 patients are in need" of medical evacuation out of Gaza, Peeperkorn said half of the patients have been wounded in attacks, while others suffer from chronic illnesses.

As the Rafah border crossing has been opened for evacuations, he stressed that it is not sufficient.

"We need to expedite (medical evacuations). There should be more patients going through Rafah into Egypt. But we also want other medical corridors," he said.

He said the WHO cannot determine who is responsible for attacks but confirmed that since Oct. 7, 2023, there have been 670 attacks on health care facilities in Gaza, resulting in 886 deaths, including doctors and civilians and 1,355 injuries.

Asked about US President Donald Trump's administration withdrawing from the WHO, Peeperkorn expressed hope that the US would reconsider its decision.

"We regret that announcement, and we really hope that this is being reviewed and reconsidered," he said, adding that the focus should be "on collaboration, not isolation."

On Jan. 20, his first day in office, Trump signed dozens of executive orders, including one that began the US’ withdrawal from the WHO.

The executive order cited four reasons for the withdrawal: WHO’s alleged failure to reform, unfair financial burdens on the US, mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic and political bias.