The annual World Health Assembly (WHA) traditionally discusses health conditions in Palestine, leading to calls for the World Health Organization (WHO) to monitor and support the health system in the occupied territories. This year, at WHA77, the discussions have become particularly heated due to ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip and new materials presented for analysis.
A draft decision, submitted by a group of countries led by Algeria, has sparked significant debate. Israel requested an amendment to denounce the military use of health facilities and call for the release of “all hostages held in Gaza,” which many saw as an attempt to shift the blame for its attacks on Gaza to Hamas. Usually, Israel struggles to keep Palestinian health issues off the WHA agenda due to strong support for Palestine from Global South countries. However, this amendment passed, largely because many WHO Member States abstained or did not attend the vote. Of the 194 members, fewer than 100 cast a vote: 50 voted in favor of the amendment, and 44 against it. Notably, countries like Ireland, which had previously expressed support for Palestine, abstained from voting on the amendment.
The result caused widespread confusion. Following a request from Egypt to withdraw the decision, the matter was postponed to later phases of WHA77. Delegates continue to discuss other agenda points related to healthcare in occupied Palestinian territories, with outcomes expected during the final days of the Assembly.
Civil Society Calls for Declaration of Famine in Gaza
Meanwhile, health workers continue to suffer casualties from Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) attacks. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported on May 30 that two paramedics, Haitham Tubasi and Suhail Hasouna, were killed in an IOF attack in Tel Sultan, Rafah, the previous day. Israeli planes targeted their ambulance, and soldiers shot at people attempting to reach the health workers. The PRCS stated that Tubasi’s and Hasouna’s bodies were later retrieved in pieces.
As Israeli attacks on Gaza, especially Rafah, persist, the United Nations reports fluctuating operational statuses of hospitals. Health centers are struggling due to shortages of fuel, medical supplies, and food. By May 24, UNRWA reported that its health centers had been without supplies for 12 days, affecting stocks of medicines, including antibiotics for children and vaccines.
Rising levels of hunger are heightening concerns about protecting and rebuilding Palestinian health. The UN found that dietary practices worsened in May, with 95% of children aged six to 23 months consuming two or fewer food groups daily. Over 85% of children had gone without a meal for an entire day before the UN survey. Malnutrition and disease outbreaks are increasing, with high temperatures contributing to the spread of diseases and epidemics in Gaza.
A coalition of over 80 Palestinian and 20 international organizations, including the Bisan Center for Research and Development, Addameer, and Al-Haq, has urged the UN and the Palestinian Authority to declare Gaza a famine-stricken area due to the famine, environmental pollution, and the spread of diseases. “With rising temperatures, the spread of diseases and epidemics has become a reality among Palestinians,” the coalition stated.
