RESPONSE:GAZA HOSPITALS AND PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

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.