Dr. Al Khatib Urges the International Community to Protect Palestinian Medical Teams

(Al-Bireh- 10/12/2015): PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib called on the international community to provide protection to Palestinian Medical Teams and to put an end to Israeli violations which have left tens of medical personnel dead and hundreds wounded over the years.

Al Khatib, who was speaking at the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva, urged delegates from participating countries to press Israel to respect and protect medical personnel so they can discharge their humanitarian duties safely and provide emergency and relief services to civilians under Israeli occupation without putting their lives in danger.

 “During the past years many medical personnel were killed or wounded. Moreover, occupation forces have directly targeted PRCS’ teams since the beginning of the last wave of Israeli attacks against Palestinians in the oPt, including Jerusalem. These measures constitute a serious transgression of relevant IHL provisions according to which the occupying power must facilitate the work of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and not hinder their activities in any way”, he said.

PRCS’ teams and ambulances in the line of duty are targeted and assaulted on a daily and continuous basis by Israeli occupation forces. 316 violations have been committed against these teams since the beginning of October 2015.

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For further information, please contact Ms. Erab Al Fuqaha, PRCS’ Spokesperson, at the following numbers:  972 599251116, or 972 2 2978520, extension 2741