RESPONSE:GAZA HOSPITALS AND PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

Protecting civilians is our top priority, and we are ready to respond to the health needs of affected populations in the countries where we operate.

As the conflict spreads across the region, the risk of direct consequences for the lives and health of entire communities increases—many of which have already endured years of violence, displacement, and vulnerability.

We are present in several countries in the region—Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq—and, as of today, all our teams are safe.

In Gaza, we are doing everything possible to maintain our essential activities, especially in the clinics, but aid remains largely insufficient and is being hampered, while the needs are enormous.
In Lebanon, the bombings have caused forced displacement; some teams have had to flee in search of safety, while preparing to coordinate with local health authorities to expand the response.
In addition, we are assessing how to support Iranian civilians affected by the escalation, both inside and outside the country.

Situation is rapidly deteriorating , in an area that was already inestable and fragile..

In the meantime, we reaffirm our commitment to continue protecting and assisting those affected by the conflict with independence and neutrality; to scale up our emergency response in the countries where we operate (Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq); to coordinate efforts with local and international partners to ensure safe humanitarian access; and to continue denouncing attacks on healthcare personnel and infrastructure that violate international humanitarian law.

Links:

• https://www.medicosdelmundo.org/actualidad/noticias/es-prioritario-proteger-a-los-civiles-y-reforzar-la-respuesta-humanitaria-en

The reconstruction of Gaza, particularly its healthcare system, which has been systematically attacked and destroyed by the Israeli army, must be a priority. It must also allow for the urgent rehabilitation of hospitals and health centers. Médicos del Mundo teams are ready to support and contribute to this essential reconstruction effort, which must be led by Palestinians, together with local and international NGOs.

Between October 10 and 21, 17 international NGOs were denied entry into Gaza for urgent aid shipments, including water, food, tents, and medical supplies. Ninety-four percent of all denials by Israeli authorities were directed at international NGOs. Three-quarters of these refusals were based on the argument that the organizations are “not authorized” to deliver humanitarian aid in Gaza. This includes agencies that continue to hold long-standing international NGO registrations with the Palestinian and Israeli authorities and are legally authorized to operate by the latter while new registration processes are underway.These humanitarian organizations are not new or inexperienced. They are trusted agencies that have been operating in Gaza for decades. These selective exclusions are a clear indication that the Israeli authorities continue to restrict and politicize aid, violating both the terms and spirit of the ceasefire agreement.

The aid denied  includes tents and tarpaulins, blankets, mattresses, food and nutritional supplies, hygiene kits, sanitation materials, assistive devices, and children's clothing, all of which should beall of which should be unrestricted during the ceasefire.