WPA Expresses Deep Concern Over Health Crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
The WPA expresses deep concern over the severe and worsening health crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, as reported to the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly 2025.
Key Findings Highlighted by the WHO Director-General’s Report:
• The Gaza Strip faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with widespread displacement, destruction, and death
• The health system in Gaza has been severely degraded due to attacks, shortages of medicines, supplies, fuel, and restricted access
• Between 1 January 2024 and 28 February 2025, 376 attacks on health care were reported in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 286 deaths and 591 injuries
• The health situation in the West Bank has worsened since January 2025, with escalating violence and stricter movement restrictions impeding access to health care
WHO’s Response:
• Providing essential health services and public health surveillance
• Disease prevention and control efforts
• Provision of medical supplies and logistics
• Coordination with health and humanitarian partners
The Report Stressed:
• The need for an immediate ceasefire to stop violence and protect civilians
• The release of all hostages
• Unrestricted humanitarian access to ensure timely aid delivery
• Protection of health workers and health facilities
WPA’s Perspective:
• Patients in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly children, women, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases, are paying the highest price in this crisis
• Attacks on health care violate international humanitarian law and undermine the fundamental right to health
• Restricted access to medicines, health services, and safe transport further endangers the lives of patients in need of urgent care
WPA Calls For:
• Immediate action by the international community to secure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations
• Unconditional protection of health care facilities, patients, and health workers
• Adequate supply of essential medicines, equipment, and fuel to sustain health services
• Renewed international efforts towards a durable peace that protects human life and dignity
WPA Stands Ready:
• To work with WHO, humanitarian partners, and patient organizations to support emergency health interventions
• To advocate for policies that protect patients and health workers in conflict zones
The WPA urges all parties and the international community to act swiftly to save lives, restore health services, and uphold the right to health for all people living in the occupied Palestinian territory.
