The World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm on the deteriorating health crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the West Bank, where escalating violence and restrictions on movement are severely impeding access to healthcare.
Since October 2023, 521 Palestinians, including 126 children, have been killed, and over 5,200 injured, overwhelming already strained health facilities.
WHO has documented 480 attacks on healthcare in the West Bank, resulting in 16 deaths and 95 injuries, with 59% of attacks occurring in Tulkarem, Jenin, and Nablus.
The closure of checkpoints, detentions, and obstructions have made movement increasingly restricted, impeding access to health facilities.
The fiscal crisis faced by the Palestinian Authority has worsened, with health workers receiving only half of their salary for nearly a year, and 45% of essential medications being out of stock.
WHO is calling for the immediate and active protection of civilians and healthcare in the West Bank, urging respect for international humanitarian law and the sanctity of healthcare.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
