WHO Halts Gaza Medical Evacuations After Contractor Killed by Israeli Fire

The World Health Organization has suspended its medical evacuation missions from Gaza after a member of its contracted staff was killed. The incident occurred on Tuesday. According to the Israeli military, troops fired at a vehicle driven by the Palestinian man. A military statement said soldiers believed the vehicle posed "an immediate threat" at the time. The WHO did not provide further details on the circumstances. The agency stated the pause in medical transfers is necessary to review security protocols. This suspension halts a critical program for evacuating critically ill and wounded patients from Gaza for specialized treatment. The WHO has repeatedly called for the protection of healthcare workers and humanitarian personnel in the conflict zone.