Medical disclaimer — Last updated: November 2, 2026. This guide is for information only and reflects Save the Children, WHO and UN figures reported at the time of writing. It is not medical advice — always follow your doctor's guidance for diagnosis and treatment.

Gaza Child Medical Evacuations Fall 75% — 21,000 Still Waiting

Written by Fatima Nursing Care

Children in Gaza who need life-saving medical treatment are becoming increasingly trapped inside the Strip. Save the Children reported on 29 October 2026 that the number of child medical evacuations has fallen by 75% since the first year of the war — even though tens of thousands of sick and injured people are still waiting for urgent care. Here is what the WHO figures show, why evacuations are falling, and what it means for children and their families.

Gaza child medical evacuations: the numbers

• 75% fall: WHO data provided to Save the Children shows 1,010 children were medically evacuated from Gaza between 7 October 2025 and 6 October 2026, compared with 1,241 the previous year and 4,163 during the first year of the war.
• 21,000 still waiting: Gaza's Ministry of Health has said 21,000 people — about a quarter of them children — are still awaiting medical evacuation from Gaza.
• Nearly 14,000 evacuated since October 2023: Almost two-thirds of them (8,940) went to Egypt, along with companions, according to the WHO.
• Half of hospitals only partly working: Only half of Gaza's hospitals are even partially functional, and all of them are damaged, according to the UN, as cited by Save the Children.
• Food and medicine under pressure: The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported in October 2026 that daily cooked-meal production had fallen from about 695,000 to 614,000 because of funding constraints, while monthly food distributions covered only about half of minimum calorie needs.

Why are Gaza medical evacuations falling?

Save the Children's regional director pointed to a combination of reasons: the closure of the Rafah border crossing, a lack of ambulances and other medical equipment, the halting of patient referrals to health facilities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, more restrictions and bureaucracy, and escalations in hostilities despite the so-called ceasefire agreement. The WHO has urged that medical evacuations be increased, and coordinated a first medical convoy out of Gaza after the fragile ceasefire, carrying patients and carers to hospitals abroad. Save the Children and more than 100 other organisations said earlier in October that the ceasefire exists in name only, one year after it was signed.

What happens to children who do reach treatment?

Children who reach Egypt arrive carrying the effects of three years of war. Save the Children staff report deep psychological distress, including anxiety around food, speech disorders, aggression and trauma-related conditions. The organisation runs a child-friendly space in Cairo, nicknamed "Little Gaza", where about 750 children and their families are finding support — but staff call it a drop in the ocean next to the scale of need, with a waiting list of nearly 5,000. Without urgent and sustained funding, those services could close next year. Since the war began, Save the Children has supported around 18,000 Palestinians in Egypt with health, mental health, education, child protection and cash assistance. Its support hotline found 93% of callers cannot meet basic needs such as food, rent and healthcare, 75% of families have no income, and 90% have no savings.

Caring for a sick child at home: what families can do

• Watch breathing and fever closely — fast or laboured breathing, bluish lips, or a child who will not wake or interact needs urgent medical attention.
• Keep fluids and food going — small, frequent sips and light meals; watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, few tears, or far fewer wet nappies than usual.
• Keep the child comfortable and calm — rest, a quiet room, and a familiar caregiver nearby reduce distress, especially for children already living through frightening conditions.
• Prevent infection spreading at home — handwashing, clean drinking water, and keeping the sick child's bedding and utensils separate where possible.
• Know when to seek hospital care — difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, dehydration, or a fever that does not respond to medicine are reasons to seek care immediately.

How home nursing helps sick children and elderly patients

When a child or an elderly parent is ill at home, the caregiving load falls on the family — day and night. A trained home nurse can monitor temperature and breathing, keep up feeding and hydration schedules, give round-the-clock attention, comfort the patient, and recognize warning signs early so families know when hospital care is urgently needed. For families in Pakistan, elderly care services in Karachi and home nursing services in Lahore offer that same round-the-clock support at home.

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. In a medical emergency, contact your local emergency number or visit the nearest hospital. Fatima Home Nursing Care provides nursing, caregiver and physiotherapy staff at home; it does not provide lab testing or diagnostic services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much have Gaza child medical evacuations fallen?

According to WHO data shared with Save the Children, 1,010 children were medically evacuated from Gaza between 7 October 2025 and 6 October 2026, compared with 4,163 during the first year of the war — a fall of about 75%. The previous year saw 1,241 child evacuations.

How many people are still waiting for medical evacuation from Gaza?

Gaza's Ministry of Health has said 21,000 people are still awaiting medical evacuation from Gaza, and about a quarter of them are children. Since October 2023, nearly 14,000 Palestinians have been evacuated for medical treatment, nearly two-thirds of them (8,940) to Egypt, according to the WHO.

Why are medical evacuations from Gaza falling?

Save the Children points to a combination of reasons: the closure of the Rafah border crossing, a lack of ambulances and other medical equipment, the halting of patient referrals to health facilities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, more restrictions and bureaucracy, and escalations in hostilities despite the ceasefire agreement.

What happens to Gaza children who reach Egypt for treatment?

Save the Children runs a child-friendly space in Cairo, nicknamed Little Gaza, where about 750 children and their families receive support. Staff report children arriving with deep psychological distress, including anxiety around food and speech disorders. The service has a waiting list of nearly 5,000 and could close next year without sustained funding.

How can home nursing help a sick child at home?

A home nurse can monitor a sick child's temperature and breathing, keep up feeding and hydration schedules, give round-the-clock attention, comfort the child, and recognize warning signs early so families know when hospital care is urgently needed. WhatsApp +92 308 3688218 to arrange a certified nurse.