Gaza Rafah crossing sees first five medical evacuees

WHO and partners supported the evacuation of five patients and seven companions from Gaza to Egypt via the Rafah crossing on Feb. 2, in the first medical transfer through that route since 2025. More than 18,500 patients remain on evacuation lists, including over 3,000 children.

The World Health Organization and partners supported a limited medical evacuation through Gaza's Rafah crossing on February 2, moving five patients and seven companions to Egypt. The transfer was the first medical evacuation through this route since early 2025. The crossing's reopening was delayed and only small groups crossed in each direction after more than ten hours. Key facts: - WHO reported that five patients and seven companions were evacuated via the Rafah crossing on Feb. 2. - This was the first medical evacuation through that route since sometime in 2025. - WHO says more than 18,500 patients are awaiting evacuations, and UNICEF reported over 3,000 of them are children. - Officials said crossings could gradually increase if the evacuation system functions, with Israel and Egypt vetting those allowed to cross and Gaza health authorities prioritising patients. Summary: The limited evacuations highlight continued and significant demand for medical transfers from Gaza and a large backlog of patients awaiting care. Officials report the number of crossings might increase if the system proves workable, but the timing and scale of any expansion are undetermined.