‌14 patients transferred from northern Gaza to Shifa hospital in high-risk mission ‌

The World Health Organization said in a statement that 14 patients and 10 caregivers were transferred from Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City during a high-risk joint mission led by WHO, amid intense hostilities and access restrictions.

Despite an initial agreement, critical medical supplies, blood and fuel – essential resources to keep Kamal Adwan and Al Awda hospitals running – were denied delivery just hours before the mission was due to begin on 20 October.

The mission lasted two days, with the team facing delays at successive checkpoints and extensive security screenings. The team had to stay overnight at Kamal Adwan Hospital, as they were not allowed to travel to Shifa Hospital due to active conflict in the area. Heavy shelling near the hospital continued throughout the night, causing distress among patients, health workers and the mission team.

The team was only able to travel to Shifa Hospital around midday on 21 October. On the way to recovery, all patients were removed from ambulances for security screening. Some patients were left on stretchers lying on the floor for some time while being examined, while some partner staff were subjected to humiliating treatment.