WHO Keeps Gaza Medical Evacuations Suspended After Driver Killed

The World Health Organization's suspension of medical evacuations from Gaza remained in effect on April 8, 2026, following the killing of WHO contract driver Majdi Aslan, 54, on April 6. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the death was caused by Israeli fire on the WHO-rented vehicle in eastern Khan Younis and announced an indefinite halt to the medical evacuation program. More than 18,000 Palestinian patients are waiting for medical care abroad that is unavailable inside Gaza. France expressed 'deep concern' about the suspension, noting that medical evacuations are essential as Gazans lack adequate healthcare access within the Strip. The incident adds to a pattern of attacks on clearly marked humanitarian and medical vehicles documented throughout the Gaza conflict.