Violence escalates in West Bank, WTO warns of spreading health crisis

The WHO says conflicts in the West Bank have injured more than 5,200 people, including 800 children, causing a health crisis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of a growing health crisis on the West Bank.

On June 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a growing health crisis in the West Bank amid a spiral of violence, attacks on healthcare facilities, and numerous restrictions hindering people's access to health care.

The United Nations health agency highlighted the increase in violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the conflict between the Islamist movement Hamas and Israel erupted on October 7, 2023.

To date, the conflict in the West Bank has claimed the lives of 521 Palestinians, including 126 children. Palestinian officials estimate this number to be even higher.

The WHO reports that conflicts in the region have also injured more than 5,200 people, including 800 children. This reality has increased the need for urgent medical care at already strained healthcare facilities.

From October 7, 2023, to May 28, 2024, the WHO recorded 480 attacks in the West Bank, including attacks on healthcare facilities and ambulances, and the holding of healthcare workers and patients captive.

Furthermore, the closure of checkpoints, the increasing insecurity, and the sieges and lockdowns of entire communities are making movement within the West Bank increasingly restricted and access to healthcare more difficult than ever before.

According to the WHO, healthcare workers have received only half their salaries for almost a year, and 45% of essential medicines have run out. Hospitals are currently operating at only about 70% capacity.

Finding medical care outside the West Bank has also become more difficult for patients, with 44% of requests to facilities in East Jerusalem and Israel being denied or pending since October 7 last year.

The WHO is calling for immediate protection of civilians and strengthening of healthcare systems in the West Bank.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bao-luc-gia-tang-o-bo-tay-wto-canh-bao-ve-cuoc-khung-hoang-y-te-lan-rong-275117.html