“Israeli soldiers keep attacking ambulances and paramedics as well as hindering access to patients and casualties. We as paramedics struggle, like all Palestinians, living under total Israeli occupation.”
These are the words of Ahmed Jibril, one of the many courageous health workers from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) risking their lives every day to provide critical medical care to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, amid escalating Israeli military and settler violence.
In the first five months of 2023, the PRCS reported 149 violations against its medical teams, a 255% increase compared to the same period in 2022. PRCS emergency responders, like Ahmed, are now being issued with bulletproof vests and helmets following incidents of targeting with live ammunition and other weapons.
No one should have to risk their life to save others.
As well as the constant fear of violence, Palestinian health workers face immense challenges, from shortages of essential medical supplies to obstruction when they try to reach the wounded. Together, we must demand immediate action to ensure that they are protected, and their vital work can continue unhindered.
So far this year, the Israeli military and settlers have killed 153 Palestinians in the West Bank. 2023 has now already surpassed 2022 as the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since 2005.
Palestinians’ health – and their very lives – are on the line. The UK government must act urgently to protect Palestinian healthcare and civilians in the West Bank.
Please email your MP today and ask them to demand that UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly:
- Presses Israel to end its violations against Palestinians’ rights to health and dignity, including attacks on healthcare, demolitions of homes, settlement expansion and restrictions on freedom of movement.
- Ensures that serious violations of international law are met with meaningful consequences and accountability.
- Immediately increases aid and assistance to Palestine’s healthcare system to enable it to adequately respond to the current crisis
