Gaza Medical Evacuations Crisis Deepens as WHO Confirms Over 1,000 Patient Deaths

More than 1,000 people in Gaza have died while waiting for medical evacuation. The World Health Organization confirmed the number on December 19, 2025. The deaths happened over the last 18 months as the war blocked access to care. The crisis affects adults and children in every part of the enclave.

Palestinians inspect the ruins of Aklouk Tower destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City on October 8, 2023. The death toll from the devastating Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has risen to 313 since early yesterday morning, with more than 1,990 others injured, according to medical sources. Photo by Naaman Omar apaimages

The WHO said many sick patients cannot leave Gaza for treatment. This has put huge pressure on the few medical teams still working inside the strip. According to Reuters, WHO officials warned that the true death toll may be higher.

Gaza Medical Evacuations: WHO Confirms Over 1,000 Deaths

The WHO said more than 10,600 people have been evacuated since the war began in 2023. The group said this number includes more than 5,600 children. But many others are still trapped. The health ministry in Gaza said 1,092 people died while waiting for evacuation from July 2024 to November 2025.

The WHO chief said the situation is urgent. He asked more nations to take patients. He also asked for medical transfers to the West Bank to restart. A WHO spokesman said 18,500 people still need care outside Gaza. That list includes more than 4,000 children.

Doctors Without Borders told AFP this month that many sick people never get registered. The group believes the true number of people needing urgent evacuation is far higher. Many die before reaching help. Only a few countries have taken large numbers of patients, including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Why Medical Evacuations Still Lag Despite Ceasefire

A U.S.-backed ceasefire in Gaza began on October 10, 2025. It slowed the fighting but did not improve medical access enough. Israel and Hamas accuse each other of breaking parts of the deal. This has made medical movement risky and slow.

Aid groups say hospitals in Gaza do not have enough power, drugs, or staff. Many facilities were damaged during the conflict. Doctors warn that more delays will lead to more deaths. Children, cancer patients, and trauma patients face the highest danger.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How many Gaza patients died while waiting for medical evacuation?

The WHO confirmed that 1,092 patients died between July 2024 and November 2025. Officials say the real number is likely higher. Many were children and people with severe injuries.

Q2: Why are medical evacuations from Gaza delayed?

Evacuations are delayed due to war damage, border controls, and slow approval systems. Aid groups also face safety issues when moving patients. Hospitals inside Gaza cannot meet current medical needs.

Q3: How many Gaza patients still need treatment abroad?

The WHO said 18,500 people still need care outside Gaza. More than 4,000 of them are children. Many need cancer care, surgery, or advanced treatment.

Q4: Which countries accept most Gaza patients?

The largest groups of patients were taken by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. More than 30 countries have taken smaller numbers. The WHO asked more nations to take part.

Q5: Did the ceasefire help medical access?

The ceasefire reduced fighting but did not fully open medical routes. Both sides accuse each other of violations. Aid workers say access is still limited.