The World Health Organization has suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt via the Rafah crossing after a contractor was killed by Israeli troops on Monday. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that the contractor, named locally as Majdi Aslan, 54, was killed in what was described as a 'security incident', although two staff members were present and not injured. He did not provide further details.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that Aslan was driving a WHO-rented vehicle in southern Gaza when it came under fire from Israeli forces. According to the Israeli military, its troops identified an unmarked vehicle approaching them at a threatening speed and fired warning shots before engaging with additional fire after the vehicle continued to approach.
'In response, the troops fired warning shots. The vehicle continued to accelerate toward the troops, who then responded with additional fire that hit the vehicle,' an Israeli military statement indicated, adding that the incident is under review.
Following the incident, the WHO announced the suspension of medical evacuations for sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza via the Rafah crossing until further notice, with Tedros stating, 'We call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.'
Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's regional director, described Aslan's killing as a 'devastating loss' and emphasized that this suspension cuts off a critical pathway to care for patients.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the vehicle was clearly marked with the WHO's logo and was part of a coordinated convoy transporting patients at the time of the incident.
As many as 18,000 Palestinian patients are reported to be awaiting treatment, increasing concerns regarding the continuation of humanitarian operations amidst ongoing conflict in the region since the ceasefire established in October 2023. Since then, at least 733 Palestinians have been killed, with accusations from both Israel and Hamas regarding violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Aslan’s death highlights the precarious situation for humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones, raising international calls for their protection.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that Aslan was driving a WHO-rented vehicle in southern Gaza when it came under fire from Israeli forces. According to the Israeli military, its troops identified an unmarked vehicle approaching them at a threatening speed and fired warning shots before engaging with additional fire after the vehicle continued to approach.
'In response, the troops fired warning shots. The vehicle continued to accelerate toward the troops, who then responded with additional fire that hit the vehicle,' an Israeli military statement indicated, adding that the incident is under review.
Following the incident, the WHO announced the suspension of medical evacuations for sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza via the Rafah crossing until further notice, with Tedros stating, 'We call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.'
Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's regional director, described Aslan's killing as a 'devastating loss' and emphasized that this suspension cuts off a critical pathway to care for patients.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the vehicle was clearly marked with the WHO's logo and was part of a coordinated convoy transporting patients at the time of the incident.
As many as 18,000 Palestinian patients are reported to be awaiting treatment, increasing concerns regarding the continuation of humanitarian operations amidst ongoing conflict in the region since the ceasefire established in October 2023. Since then, at least 733 Palestinians have been killed, with accusations from both Israel and Hamas regarding violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Aslan’s death highlights the precarious situation for humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones, raising international calls for their protection.
