Israeli hospitals separate Arab and Jewish patients

Israeli Arab MK Ahmed Al-Tibi yesterday criticised the “apartheid policy” carried out by the administrations of a number of Israeli hospitals against Palestinian and Arab women, Safa news agency reported.

Al-Tibi voiced his criticism after Israel’s Reshet Bet radio station revealed that Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, Hadassah Medical Centre, Eklof and Meir Hospital separate Arab and Jewish women in maternity wards. Though the hospitals denied the claims, staff members confirmed them.

The station revealed this was a “systematic measure”.

Al-Tibi called for a “full and thorough investigation” into the claims.

The Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid blamed Israel’s Ministry of Health for this “racist” measure as it is its duty to enforce and follow up on rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, female Arab MK Aida Aida Touma-Suleiman, head of the Joint List in the Knesset, called for a meeting to discuss this “worrying measure”.