President of the Turkish Red Crescent Society Visits PRCS

(Al-Bireh – 24/5/2018): PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib and its Director General Dr. Khaled Joudeh received on May 24, 2018 at the Society’s headquarters in Al Bireh the President of the Turkish Red Crescent Society, Dr. Kerem Kınık, its Director General, Dr. Ibrahim Altan, and their accompanying delegation. The two parties discussed means to enhance cooperation to the benefit of Palestinians in the oPt in general, and in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in particular.

Dr. Al Khatib spoke about humanitarian conditions in the oPt. He focused in particular on the Gaza Strip, where the health system faces several challenges due to the blockade imposed by Israel and its crackdown on demonstrators participating in the peaceful March of Return protests which started on March 30, 2018, causing thousands of casualties.

 Al Khatib also spoke about violations committed by Israel against PRCS’ staff, EMTs, volunteers and ambulances in the line of duty along the Gaza Strip’s eastern borders.

Dr. Kınık highlighted support provided by the Turkish Red Crescent Society to Palestinians who face many humanitarian challenges due to the Israeli occupation. He said support will continue to be provided to PRCS with a view to building its capacities and increasing its resources especially in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip to enable it to meet the increasing humanitarian needs of Palestinians.

Both Dr. Kınık and Dr. Al Khatib stressed the importance of working together according to a unified humanitarian vision and strategy in order to provide optimal services to Palestinians. They also underlined the need to enhance cooperation and communications between both Societies in all fields to ease the suffering of Palestinians. The Turkish Red Crescent said it stands ready to support several humanitarian, relief and emergency care programs offered by PRCS in order to ensure their viability.