Thousands at risk as Israel bans entry of medical equipment to Gaza

A convoy of Palestinian ambulance vehicles moves along the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip east of Gaza City during a protest against Israel’s prevention of allowing diagnositc medical equipment to enter hospitals in the Palestinian enclave, [Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images]

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) yesterday warned that the Israeli ban on the entry of spare parts for medical equipment to the besieged Gaza Strip risks the lives of thousands of Palestinians.

“A poor healthcare system, and the lack of medical supplies and equipment has led to the deterioration in the health of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza,” PCHR said in a report.

The report pointed to what it described as “Israel’s restrictions on the entry of medical equipment and drugs, including oncology treatment devices, interventional radiology devices, ultrasounds and oxygen stations.”

Home to 2.3 million population, the Gaza Strip has been reeling under a years-long Israeli blockade since 2007, badly affecting livelihood in the territory.

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