A Norwegian Red Cross Delegation Visits the oPt

(Al-Bireh - 11/7/2018):  A delegation from the Norwegian Red Cross visited several PRCS’ branches in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The visit, which took place from 7 to 11 July 2018, aimed at examining humanitarian conditions in the oPt and hearing the success stories of volunteers who diligently carry out their humanitarian duties under extremely difficult conditions caused by the Israeli occupation’s practices.

Chaired by Bernt Apeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross, the delegation was received by PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib, the Society’s Director General Dr. Khaled Joudeh and several heads of departments. An overview of the Society’s interventions was given and means to enhance cooperation between the two National Societies in various humanitarian fields were discussed.

The delegation started its visit to the oPt in the Gaza Strip where it was received by PRCS’ General Director and several staff and volunteers. Delegation members toured PRCS’ Al Amal Hospital in Khan Younes, including its Rehabilitation Ward, and met with patients wounded during the March of Return protests and currently receiving treatment at the hospital. Delegation members also visited the Rehabilitation Department, the Open Studio and the Psychosocial Support Department at Al Amal City for Ability Development before touring wards and departments at PRCS’ Al Quds Hospital, including the Emergency Department, the Laboratory and X-ray Ward, the Dialysis Ward and the Cardiology Ward.

They also met with several wounded persons, including PRCS’ paramedics and volunteers targeted in the line of duty along Gaza’s eastern borders. Hospital doctors spoke to their guests about services offered by the hospital, key challenges facing them and their aspirations.

Mr. Apeland said he was happy with this visit and valued the key health and humanitarian role played by the Society’s volunteers. He affirmed that cooperation would continue with PRCS to help build its capacities and develop the abilities of its staff.

Dr. Joudeh explained that this visit was part of joint work and coordination between the two National Societies aimed at allaying the suffering of Palestinians. “PRCS is making every possible effort to enhance its humanitarian and community-based services”, he said.

Upon leaving the Gaza Strip, delegation members headed to the Palestinian Society’s branch in Jerusalem where they were received by Dr. Abdallah Sabri, Chair of the branch’s Administrative Committee. They toured PRCS’ hospital and visited the branch’s Emergency Medical Center where they met with paramedics and volunteers and got better acquainted with services provided and with difficulties encountered due to Israeli practices.

The delegation then headed to the Society’s headquarters in Al-Bireh where they met with PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib and with several heads of Departments. Al Khatib spoke about humanitarian conditions in Palestine and the Israeli occupation’s practices against Palestinians in general, and PRCS’ staff and properties in particular. Delegation members then toured PRCS’ headquarters and got better acquainted with its programs and services.

End.