The World Health Organization has suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt via the Rafah crossing after a contractor was killed by Israeli troops on Monday. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the contractor, identified as Majdi Aslan, 54, was killed in a 'security incident' while driving a WHO vehicle, although two staff members present were not injured. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the vehicle was targeted by Israeli forces. Israel's military claimed the vehicle posed an immediate threat, leading to warning shots and subsequently the firing that resulted in Aslan's death. Tedros announced that medical evacuations would remain suspended until further notice, emphasizing the need for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's regional director, called the killing a 'devastating loss' and warned about the consequences of halting medical evacuations for patient care. Local sources indicate that over 18,000 patients are currently waiting for treatment outside Gaza. Escalating tensions have seen numerous fatalities from both sides since the ceasefire agreement was reached nearly six months ago.