The World Health Organization (WHO) said it had evacuated at least 97 patients and 155 companions from Gaza, taking them to the United Arab Emirates for medical treatment. This was the largest medical evacuation from Gaza since October 2023 according to Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory. Patients were transported in ambulances via the Kerem Shalom crossing from Gaza to Ramon Airport in Israel for onward travel to Abu Dhabi. Patients included 45 children and 52 adults with a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, congenital anomalies, blood and liver diseases and trauma/injuries. The Israel-Hamas conflict has decimated Gaza's health system and only 17 out of 36 hospitals are currently partially functioning, the WHO estimates. The main Rafah crossing for medical transfers out of Gaza to Egypt has been shut since May when Israel ramped up its military campaign in southern Gaza. This mission also facilitated the delivery of fuel needed for an