Five Gazan patients evacuated through Rafah crossing

WHO said five patients and seven companions were evacuated to Egypt via the Rafah crossing on Feb. 2; more than 18,500 patients in Gaza remain on evacuation waiting lists, including over 3,000 children.

Five patients and seven companions were moved from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah crossing on Feb. 2, the World Health Organization said. The crossing had reopened on Monday and officials described this as the first medical evacuation by that route since early 2025. Gaza health authorities are prioritizing which patients are moved for treatment. Thousands of people in Gaza continue to wait for medical evacuation after the two-year war. Known details: - WHO and partners supported the medical evacuation of five patients and seven companions via the Rafah crossing on Feb. 2, according to WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier. - Officials said it was the first medical evacuation through the Rafah route since early 2025. - More than 18,500 patients in Gaza are awaiting evacuation after the two-year war, with over 3,000 of them reported as children. - Gaza health authorities are prioritizing patients for evacuation, and WHO reported that some patients have died while waiting for evacuation near the border. Summary: The evacuation allowed a small number of patients to reach care while a large backlog remains in Gaza. Undetermined at this time.