GENEVA

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday said it facilitated the transfer of the first patient to the Emirati Field Hospital in Rafah after the facility became accessible again following months of restrictions.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Richard Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, said: “WHO facilitated the referral and transfer of the first patient to the Emirati Field Hospital in Rafah last week, which until recently had been inaccessible following the 2024 Rafah incursion.”

He said the hospital is currently the only functioning medical center serving the Rafah area, large parts of which lie outside the ceasefire line. Peeperkorn added that WHO will continue supporting further referrals to “ensure patients can access specialized care, including orthopedic and plastic surgery.”

1,092 died while waiting for medical evacuation

Since October 2023, a total of 10,645 patients have been medically evacuated from Gaza, including 5,632 children, representing 53% of all evacuations, according to WHO figures.

But the need remains acute. The Health Ministry records show that 1,092 patients died while awaiting medical evacuation between July 2024 and Nov. 28, 2025, though WHO noted the figure is likely “underreported” because it reflects only documented deaths.

More than 18,500 patients, including 4,096 children, still require evacuation from Gaza, Peeperkorn said. He added that the WHO is calling on more countries to receive patients and for medical evacuations to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to be restored.