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 stated that the contractor, named locally as Majdi Aslan, age 54, was killed in a security incident, and noted that two WHO staff members were present but unharmed, though he did not provide further details.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claimed that Aslan was driving a WHO-rented vehicle in southern Gaza when it was targeted by Israeli forces.
In response, the Israeli military indicated that their troops had identified an unmarked vehicle approaching them and perceived it as an immediate threat. They stated, 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. The military confirmed that the incident is under review.
Following this incident, Tedros announced the suspension of medical evacuations of sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza via Rafah until further notice, emphasizing the need to safeguard civilians and humanitarian workers. Hanan Balkhy, the regional director for the WHO, referred to Aslan's killing as a devastating loss and cautioned that this suspension obstructs a vital pathway for patient care.
At al-Aqsa hospital in central Gaza, colleagues of Aslan described the vehicle he operated as clearly marked with the WHO logo, indicating it had been part of a coordinated convoy transporting patients to the Rafah crossing when it came under fire. A witness stated, The tank came out directly and targeted the driver so he would stop. There were three people in the vehicle; the driver is the one who paid the price for the situation we are living in.
As negotiations continue over the humanitarian situation, the Rafah crossing was temporarily opened for limited movement of people, but tensions remain high, with reports of ongoing violence and casualties on both sides.
