Al Wafa, the only medical rehabilitation hospital in Gaza, was evacuated after repeated air strikes and 14 inpatients, all with disabilities, were sent to other hospitals.Jerusalem/Cairo, 22 July 2014-- The World Health Organization and its health partners are gravely concerned about the increasing attacks on health facilities, ambulances, personnel and patients in Gaza. Since the escalation of violence in Gaza, reports indicate that medical facilities have been damaged resulting in death and injuries to patients and health professionals.
WHO appeals to all parties to the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which strictly prohibit attacks on health care premises, vehicles, personnel and patients.
WHO calls on all parties and individuals to respect and protect the neutrality of the health system, especially patients and health staff. Health facilities and patients must not be abused or targeted and health care providers and health emergency services must be protected at all times and permitted to carry out their work.
For further information please contact:
Communications Officer
World Health Organization, Geneva
Mobile: +41794755556
E-mail:
Rana Sidani
Senior Communications Officer
WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean
Tel: +20 1099756506
E-mail:
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