MOH-GAZA CALLS UP ON URGENT PROTECTION OF MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND RESCUERS
Palestinian Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Yousef Abu Al-Rish, on the 3rd of July 2018 called on the relevant international organizations to implement immediate measures to ensure the protection of medical personnel, as required under international humanitarian law.
Following a meeting between Dr. Abu AlRish, the World Health Organization (WHO) and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to introduce the Surveillance System of Attacks on Health Care in Gaza, he welcomed the proposed implementation of this world-wide system in Gaza.
“Health care institutions and personnel in the Gaza Strip are subjected to ongoing Israeli occupation force attacks in many forms, including live fire, gas, and the obstruction of retrieval and rescue personnel and ambulances,” he said.
The latest attacks on an ambulance and medical crews performing their duties during the Great March of Return have resulted in 318 injuries, and 2 deaths to Palestinian healthcare workers.
Dr. Abu Alrish stressed that the international community bears responsibility for holding the Israeli Occupation authorities accountable for these actions committed in breach of an international humanitarian law.
Immediate action is required,” he stressed