The healthcare systems of neighboring countries are feeling the strain as thousands of critical patients from the Gaza Strip are being evacuated for treatment of complex injuries and ailments, according to a top WHO official. Hanan Balkhy, the World Health Organization’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasized the significant ripple effect on Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria as immediate neighbors of the occupied Palestinian territories.
As of May 30, fewer than half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functional, with much of the medical infrastructure destroyed by Israel’s eight-month-old assault. Egypt has been hosting a significant number of patients, but the needs are estimated between 7,000 to over 11,000 patients who require evacuation and specialized treatment and support. This has added pressure on the already fragile health systems in neighboring countries.
Hanan Balkhy highlighted the severity of injuries seen among patients from Gaza, noting that they are not simple, minor cases. These patients often have complex injuries such as compound fractures, skull fractures, compound femur fractures, and ruptured visceral organs, requiring specialized care that is difficult to find and transport quickly.
Since May 7, no medical evacuations have been carried out due to Israel’s control of the Rafah crossing
