Recent escalations have led to stagnating health needs in the occupied Palestinian territory

As the cease-fire in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) remains in place, the World Health Organization (WHO) is stepping up efforts to provide health care to around 200 000 people in need. WHO has given medications to support trauma care and ambulance services for about 2,000 injured Gaza Strip people, and has set up 10 triage and treatment tents in front of six Ministry of Health emergency units.

The situation is severe, according to Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in oPt. WHO is concerned about the situation in the oPt and requests unimpeded access to Gaza for humanitarian and development products and personnel, as well as the referral of patients outside of Gaza if needed.

As long as COVID-19 poses a threat, WHO and UNICEF have aided in the provision of almost 260 000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to oPt via the COVAX Facility, including the dispatch of 60 000 doses today. There were 337,191 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 3,765 deaths as of May 31, 2021, with the number of positive cases in Gaza increasing in recent weeks. Furthermore, the WHO has delivered critical medicines and supplies to East Jerusalem.

An earlier violent conflict in the oPt displaced more people and created a long-term humanitarian disaster. The battle killed 278 Palestinians and injured almost 9000 more. Over 77,000 people have been evacuated within their own country, and thirty hospitals have been affected. The closure of border crossings during the height of hostilities affected around 600 referral patients.

On May 20, the World Health Organization (WHO) made a $7 million appeal to fund its health operations for the next six months, with a focus on trauma and emergency care, mental health and psychosocial services, advocacy, and the continuation of vital health services, including COVID-19. To date, $2.3 million has been raised from $7 million in appeals.

"Palestinian lives are in danger; many individuals touched by the violence require emergency aid and face serious health difficulties, such as COVID-19." "WHO strives to support the Palestinian health system and its partners in their emergency humanitarian response and seeks assistance from the international community in this endeavor," said Dr. Rik Peeperkorn.