The World Health Organization (WHO) has led the medical evacuation of 41 critical patients and 145 companions out of Gaza - the first since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began earlier this month.

Ibrahim Abu Ashiba studied media and journalism in Gaza and worked as a filmmaker before he was shot several times in the chest, shoulder and hand, cutting a nerve so he could no longer hold a camera.

“My whole life was on hold after the injury until they contacted me to tell me I would be traveling to South Africa to receive treatment in that country; that South Africa agreed to have me treated there. It felt like I was born again," Ibrahim said.

Maria, who is being evacuated to Switzerland to receive treatment, lost her father and all her siblings.

"God willing, her psychological state will improve and she will return to the normal Maria that we know," her mother, Raghda Ahmed Al Shaer, said.

Dr Luca Pigozzi, the Emergency Medical Team Coordinator for WHO, said this was the first medical evacuation since the implementation of the ceasefire on October 10.

About 15,000 patients are still waiting for approval to receive medical care outside Gaza, officials said.