The World Health Organization’s representative in Palestine, Rik Peeperkorn, revealed that more than 16,500 patients in the Gaza Strip are still awaiting medical evacuation for treatment outside the enclave.

Peeperkorn confirmed during a press conference in Geneva that only half of Gaza’s hospitals are partially functioning, with 18 out of 36 hospitals still providing limited services.

He added that since the start of the ceasefire, 26 healthcare points have been reactivated, in addition to the establishment of 8 new ones.

He explained that since the ceasefire went into effect, WHO has managed to deliver 2,050 medical supply kits into Gaza, noting that 343 out of 622 essential medicines on the Palestinian Ministry of Health’s list have completely run out.

Peeperkorn stressed that these critical health indicators reflect the scale of the worsening crisis in the Strip and highlight the urgent need to secure safe pathways for medical evacuation and ensure the sustained flow of vital supplies.