Urgent Appeal - Palestinian NGO's Network 'PNGO' - Health Sector
By NGO's Network
June 23, 2007

In the last few days, the Gaza Strip has witnessed dramatic serious incidents which resulted in tens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. This has dramatic consequences at the political, economical and social aspects as well. What complicates the situation more is the Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) declaration of imposing complete closure on the Gaza Strip and the international community decisions to suspend all the humanitarian assistance to the Gaza population; who already suffer from an increasing poverty and un-employment rates. The later terrible situation has been resulted from the long unfair sanctions imposed by the international community and the Israeli constant hostilities targeting the Gaza Strip.

We in the PNGO- Health Sector would like to stress the following:

  • We would like to express our deep worry and concerns about the deterioration of the humanitarian situations particularly the health status of the population in Gaza which could lead to sever humanitarian crisis.

  • The necessity of ensuring the free movement and access of the health teams at all the circumstances and also the necessity of protecting health teams and health organizations and keeping them away from the circle of violence.

  • The continuity of closure could lead to the spread of epidemics and nutritional deficiency related diseases. The prevailing situation also leads to sever and irreversible mental and psychological problems especially among children and youth which may have long term negative impacts.

  • The current situation could lead to sever shortage of drugs and disposables especially the emergency related items, vaccinations and medications used for the treatment of chronic diseases and will also affect the ability of health facilities to perform its humanitarian roles.

  • We urgently call the international agencies to intensify its support to the Palestinian health organizations in order to enable them to respond to the emerging needs of the Palestinian people resulted from the Israeli closure and the imposed sanctions.

  • To prevent the collapse of the health care organizations, we urgently call the international community to exercise pressure on the IOA in order to open the boarders, allow free movement of goods and people and allow the referral of patients who require special treatments outside Gaza

Last but not least, while, we at the PNGO- Health sector, highly appreciate the support and the contributions of the international community, the donors and the United Nations Agencies, we emphasize that we will continue our mission in serving our people without any kind of discrimination.

Please help us to continue performing our humanitarian mission.

PNGO - Health Sector

http://www.miftah.org