PRCS’ President Attends Italian Red Cross Conference on Risks Facing Health personnels

)Al Bireh:2022019): PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib took part in a conference organized by the Italian Red Cross under the banner “I am not a target - Risks facing Health Personnels: National and International Perspectives”. Held in Rome on February 15, 2019, the Conference was attended by Francesco Rocca, IFRC President, the President of the Italian Red Cross and several representatives from the International Movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Dr. Al Khatib spoke about violations committed by Israeli occupation forces against PRCS’ medical teams. He recalled the numerous PRCS’ staff and volunteers who lost their lives in the line of duty since the start of the second Intifada. “This Conference is held under the banner “I am not a Target”. Unfortunately, medical teams in Palestine are always a target. This constant targeting constitutes a crying violation of IHL rules, especially those relevant to the responsibility that lies on the Occupying Power to facilitate the work of National Societies”, Al Khatib said.

He spoke at length about humanitarian conditions in Palestine since the start of March of Return protests in the Gaza Strip and gave detailed information about violations committed against medical teams and ambulances along the Gaza Strip borders.

Al Khatib lauded efforts made by volunteers, including in the field and in medical posts erected by PRCS along those borders. He paid tribute to all those who lost their lives or were injured as they discharged their humanitarian duty.