Gaza death toll hits 43,391, critical patients prepare for rare evacuation
Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza has now claimed at least 43,391 Palestinian lives and injured over 102,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
In the last 24 hours alone, 17 more deaths and 86 injuries were recorded.
Meanwhile, in humanitarian efforts, over 100 patients, including children suffering from trauma and chronic illnesses, are set to be evacuated from the besieged enclave.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the transfer as a critical yet limited response to Gaza’s medical crisis.
“These are ad hoc measures. What we have requested repeatedly is a sustained medical evacuation system out of Gaza,” said WHO’s Rik Peeperkorn, adding that nearly 12,000 people are in urgent need of relocation for medical care.
The patients will be transported in a large convoy via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, continuing on flights to the United Arab Emirates. Some will then proceed to Romania for further treatment.
Nearly all of Gaza’s population has been forced to flee the region due to the continued blockade, which has resulted in acute shortages of clean water, food, and medication.
Due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to stop the conflict, mediation attempts spearheaded by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to establish a cease-fire and prisoner swap agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza have failed.
