3 March 2017
The MAP team would like to thank all our supporters who have so far written to their MPs to raise their concerns about how the Israeli Government’s blockade and closure is separating mothers in Gaza from their children in hospitals in occupied East Jerusalem.
So far, supporters have contacted over 100 different MPs! If you haven’t yet had a chance to take part, please help us keep the pressure on by emailing your MP today. It only takes a minute and can help us ensure this issue is raised at the highest levels:
Last week MAP highlighted the case of baby Maryam, who was finally reunited with her mother after six months apart. Born two months prematurely in al Mekassed Hospital in East Jerusalem, Maryam had to remain in intensive care to build her strength and health before being able to leave hospital. Her mother, who had been referred to the hospital from Gaza, had to return home soon after giving birth to Maryam and her sibling, who was stillborn.
Though Maryam’s family applied for a permit to return to East Jerusalem in October, for several months the only response the family received was "under review". Her mother was only allowed to travel after Maryam’s case featured on Israeli news on 19 February, more than six months after her birth.
Maryam’s is not an isolated case. Her situation demonstrates the problems faced by thousands of patients and companions as they seek to exit Gaza for vital treatment unavailable locally. Staff from al Mekassed Hospital say that between one and three children from Gaza receive care there each month, separated from their parents.
Last year, a third of all patients applying to leave Gaza for medical treatment did not get a permit in time for their appointment. In December, only 35 percent of permits for patients’ companions were granted on time. Permits for family members to accompany patients –even children – are even harder to obtain.
Barriers to medical access can have fatal consequences for Palestinian patients. In January a Palestinian child with a congenital heart defect, Ahmed Hasan Shubeir, died after being denied a permit to exit Gaza for treatment.
MAP's Director of Programmes in Gaza, Fikr Shalltoot, has said “With restricted access from Erez and Rafah crossings, critically ill patients are suffering the most. The delay in their treatment may lead to irreversible complications and unfortunately in some cases to unnecessary death.”
As the Occupying Power, Israel has the responsibility to ensure that the population under its control can access adequate healthcare. Free movement of patients, their companions, and medical personnel are essential to this.
Already emailed your MP and want to do more? This year, MAP is demanding #HealthAndDignity for Palestinians. The UK must take action to ensure freedom of movement for Palestinians, and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territory and the blockade and closure of Gaza.
