PRCS Condemns Occupation's Dismantling of Humanitarian Space During Jenin Incursion

Al-Bireh—Jenin

September 2, 2024

The PRCS expresses its deep concern and disappointment with the Occupation’s dismantling of the humanitarian space during the ongoing incursion in the north of the West Bank, particularly in Jenin. Over the course of the past 6 days, the occupation forces have shrunk the humanitarian space by actively impeding PRCS medical missions’ access to casualties and patients across various areas in the city, mainly in the Jenin Refugee Camp. The Occupation has directly targeted PRCS ambulances by opening fire at them to deny their access to humanitarian calls, leading to the injury of 2 EMTs and a volunteer doctor while on duty.

The PRCS warns of the risks affiliated with the current incursion against Jenin as the civilian population bears the brunt of arbitrary attacks. Our teams have been prevented from transporting various casualties, patients and elderly suffering from chronic diseases, and women in labor. The further marginalization of already vulnerable communities renders the area uninhabitable.

Prevented from delivering essential supplies to affected community members and unable to provide the medical services crucial for the survival of the civilians within the city, its villages and its camp; the PRCS renews its calls to the international community to immediately interfere to ensure that the occupation commits to its responsibilities under international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention. The Occupying Power holds the responsibility of ensuring civilians’ access to medical care within the territory which it occupies; additionally, the preservation of a humanitarian space within areas of incursion remains their main responsibility as the Occupying Power under international humanitarian law.

Despite these impossible circumstances, the PRCS remains committed to its humanitarian response. Through the Occupation’s deliberate impediments and violations against medical missions, the wounded and the sick; our humanitarian mission is being rendered inoperable. The PRCS urges the international community to act to stop the Occupation’s violations immediately and warns of the potential disastrous humanitarian consequences of full-scale aggression in all areas of the oPt.