Doctors Without Borders make global call for help with Gaza's medical evacuations

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is calling on governments around the world, including South Africa, to assist in medical evacuations from Gaza, where health facilities are on the brink of complete collapse.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) this week resumed evacuating patients in urgent need of care for the first time since the ceasefire.

The WHO estimates that more than 15,000 people require medical assistance that cannot be received within Gaza. Medical evacuations from Gaza had been on hold since the end of last month until this week.

With health facilities in the occupied territory teetering on the brink of complete collapse, MSF is appealing specifically to South Africa, known for its advanced health systems, to assist. One in four of those awaiting lifesaving medical evacuation from Gaza is a child.

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Many of these patients have suffered complex trauma injuries caused by guns and bombs, while others have life-threatening conditions such as cancer or kidney failure.

In an open letter addressed to heads of state, the WHO stated that the ceasefire is not enough to save lives and that medical evacuations are necessary.

Doctors Without Borders noted that while South Africa has been hailed for its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, it has not yet carried out any medical evacuations.

Responding to the call, Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the government "stands ready to assist where possible."