WHO Suspends Gaza Medical Evacuations After Driver Killed by Israeli Fire

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on April 7, 2026 the immediate suspension of all medical evacuations from Gaza after WHO contract driver Majdi Aslan, 54, was killed by Israeli forces in eastern Khan Younis the day before. Tedros confirmed Israeli troops fired on the WHO-rented vehicle and announced the halt to the medical evacuation program until further notice. The Israeli military stated its troops 'identified the vehicle as a threat.' France expressed 'deep concern' over the suspension, noting that patient evacuation is essential as Gazans lack adequate access to medical care within the Strip. Over 18,000 Palestinian patients are awaiting medical evacuations for treatment unavailable inside Gaza.