WHO Plans Urgent Evacuation of Al-Shifa Hospital Patients and Staff

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced plans to evacuate all staff and patients from Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip, signaling a major operational shift in response to the ongoing crisis. The statement indicates the intention to complete the evacuation within 24 to 72 hours, underscoring the urgency of relocating vulnerable individuals to safer facilities. A joint humanitarian mission led by WHO recently visited the hospital to assess needs and coordinate the transfer of residents to alternative care sites within the Gaza Strip, including Nasser Hospital and European Hospital. At present, the hospital complex houses 291 patients and 25 staff members, highlighting the scale of the challenge as the operation unfolds. (Source: WHO)