The World Health Organisation has, for the first time since the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip two weeks ago, evacuated severely ill and injured children to safety for urgent treatment.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the platform X that 41 children, accompanied by 145 relatives and caregivers, were safely transported out of Gaza for specialised medical attention.

A WHO spokesperson confirmed all the patients were children, adding that due to “operational concerns”, the countries receiving the young patients cannot yet be disclosed for security reasons.

Mr Tedros revealed that approximately 15,000 patients in Gaza are still awaiting approval to leave the enclave for medical care, underscoring the urgent need for faster humanitarian access.

He appealed to nations to “show solidarity” by supporting medical evacuations and opening all available routes to expedite the safe transfer of critically ill civilians from the conflict zone.

Medical evacuations from Gaza require permits from Israeli authorities, who control border access. The ceasefire, in place since October 10, has faced periodic violations from both sides, according to local reports.

(dpa/NAN)