WHO concerned about escalating health crisis in West Bank
### Health Crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: WHO Response and Situation Overview
**Current Situation**
- **Escalating Violence**: Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on 7 October 2023, violence has surged in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. As of 10 June 2024, 521 Palestinians, including 126 children, have been killed. Over 5,200 people, including 800 children, have been injured, further straining the already overburdened health system.
- **Attacks on Health Care**: WHO has documented 480 attacks on health care in the West Bank since 7 October 2023. These attacks have resulted in 16 deaths and 95 injuries among health workers, and have impacted 54 health facilities, 20 mobile clinics, and 319 ambulances. The majority of attacks have occurred in Tulkarem, Jenin, and Nablus, including infrastructure damage, ambulances being targeted, and the obstruction of health workers and patients.
- **Restricted Access**: Movement restrictions due to checkpoint closures, arbitrary obstructions, and detentions are severely impeding access to health care. Extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly in northern West Bank, is obstructing ambulance access.
- **Economic and Fiscal Crisis**: The Palestinian Authority (PA) faces a severe fiscal crisis exacerbated by Israel's withholding of tax revenues since 7 October 2023 and the deteriorating economic situation. Health workers are receiving only half of their salaries, and 45% of essential medications are out of stock. Health facilities are operating at reduced capacity, with primary care clinics and outpatient services limited to two days a week.
- **Permit Denials**: Between October 2023 and May 2024, 44% of applications for medical care outside the West Bank were denied or remain pending, affecting access to essential services. There has been a significant decrease in permit approvals for patients and companions compared to the previous year.
**WHO Actions and Support**
- **Support to Ministry of Health**: WHO is assisting with the procurement of essential medications and providing technical assistance to address the fiscal crisis affecting the health system.
- **Emergency Preparedness**: WHO has pre-positioned medical supplies at key hospitals, including those in East Jerusalem, and conducted trauma management training for first aid responders.
- **Call for Protection**: WHO is calling for the immediate protection of civilians and health care facilities in the West Bank. It urges all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and ensure that health care is safeguarded.
**Challenges**
- **Insecurity and Accessibility**: The ongoing insecurity, coupled with strict curfews and movement restrictions, poses significant risks to health responders and hampers their ability to provide urgent care.
WHO continues to work with local and international partners to address the urgent health needs, improve access to care, and advocate for the protection of health services in the region.
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