WHO contractor killed in Gaza; medical evacuations to Egypt suspended

A contractor working for the World Health Organization (WHO) was killed in a security incident in Gaza, the U.N. agency said.

“WHO is devastated to confirm that a person contracted to provide services to the Organization in Gaza was killed today during a security incident,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement on Sunday. He did not provide details about the location or circumstances of the incident.

“We extend our condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of the deceased,’ Dr. Tedros added. “The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities.”

Following the incident, WHO suspended a planned medical evacuation of patients from Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Tedros said medical evacuations will remain suspended until further notice.

“We call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers,” Tedros said. “Peace is the best medicine.”