West Bank health facilities ‘trapped in a vicious cycle,’ says Palestinian hospital director
LONDON: Attacks and other incidents affecting healthcare services and facilities in the occupied West Bank have surged this year, placing further strain on a system already hobbled by a worsening financial crisis and shortages of staff and medical supplies.
The World Health Organization recorded 98 incidents that affected healthcare in the territory between January and the end of July, most of which involved health transport services.
The number increased sharply in July; WHO data published on Aug. 11 revealed 37 attacks or other incidents targeting health facilities, workers or transport services that month, compared with a monthly average of about 10 earlier in the year.
There have been 25 cases this year of health workers or patients being arrested, the figures show. Other incidents have involved the use of force, or searches of medical staff, facilities and ambulances.
