The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the deteriorating health crisis in the occupied West Bank. The escalating violence, restrictions, and attacks on health infrastructure are severely impeding access to essential healthcare services for the residents of the region. In a statement issued on Friday, the UN health agency called for immediate action to protect civilians and healthcare facilities in the West Bank.
The situation in the West Bank has worsened significantly following a surge in violence, particularly since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 521 Palestinians, including 126 children, by June 10. Palestinian officials report an even higher death toll, with at least 545 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or settlers since the beginning of the Gaza war. Additionally, over 5,200 people, including 800 children, have been injured, further straining the already overwhelmed healthcare facilities in the region.
The West Bank, under Israeli occupation since 1967, has been grappling with violence for over a year, exacerbated by the recent escalation of hostilities in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has not only claimed lives but has also led to numerous attacks on health facilities and ambulances in the West Bank. The WHO documented 480 such attacks between October 7 and May 28, resulting in the death of 16 individuals and injuries to 95 others.
Moreover, the region faces challenges such as checkpoint closures, growing insecurity, and sieges of entire communities, making it increasingly difficult for residents to access healthcare services. Movement within the West Bank has become severely restricted, hindering patients’ ability to seek medical care when needed. The WHO highlighted the impact of a long-standing fiscal crisis exacerbated by Israel’s withholding of tax revenue meant for the Palestinian territory. This financial strain has resulted in health workers receiving only partial salaries for nearly a year and shortages of essential medications.
Hospitals in the West Bank are operating at reduced capacity, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis in the region. Patients requiring medical treatment outside the West Bank are facing additional challenges, with 44 percent of requests to access facilities in East Jerusalem and Israel being denied or pending since October 7. The combination of violence, restrictions on movement, and financial constraints is creating a dire situation for residents in need of medical care.
The WHO’s call for immediate protection of civilians and healthcare facilities in the West Bank underscores the urgent need for intervention to address the escalating health crisis. Efforts must be made to ensure unhindered access to healthcare services, protect healthcare workers, and provide essential medical supplies to those in need. The international community must come together to support efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population in the occupied West Bank and work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict plaguing the region.