The World Health Organization (WHO) has completed a second evacuation mission from Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, yet significant concerns persist for the nearly 150 patients and medical staff who remain amidst ongoing conflict.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest, ceased operations after a week-long Israeli siege followed by a raid, leaving WHO and aid groups to evacuate 32 critical patients, including injured children and paralyzed individuals. However, WHO remains deeply troubled by the precarious situation of those left behind as essential supplies dwindle.

With patients and medics stranded in dire conditions, WHO fears for their safety and well-being, emphasizing the urgent need for uninterrupted access to lifesaving medical care amidst the ongoing violence.

The hospital, lacking electricity and running water, now serves as a breeding ground for disease, exacerbated by the accumulation of medical waste and garbage. Palestinian health authorities have deemed the situation catastrophic, as Israeli forces have essentially transformed the facility into a military outpost.

Despite ongoing efforts to transfer the remaining patients, the situation remains dire, with limited food supplies and critical shortages of fuel and oxygen leading to further casualties. WHO underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis to prevent additional loss of life.