WHO Condemns Israeli Attacks on Healthcare in Gaza, Raises Palestine’s Status to Observer Member

The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned Israeli attacks on healthcare in Gaza after intense debate during its annual assembly. The resolution, presented by a group of Arab countries, denounced the indiscriminate attacks on medical and humanitarian facilities used exclusively for humanitarian purposes and by medical personnel, in violation of international law.

Israel requested an additional section that demanded the release of hostages still held captive in Gaza and condemned the use of health facilities by armed groups, specifically referring to Hamas in Gaza. This argument has been used by the Israeli army to launch offensives against hospitals and other health centers in the strip. However, this amendment was not included in the initial text.

After Israel’s amendment passed, Arab countries presented an amendment denouncing Israeli abuses of the healthcare system in Palestine. This last amendment was approved with 102 votes in favor and six against. The resolution also requests the WHO to investigate the effects of the conflict on malnutrition in Gaza due to the deliberate practice of starving the civilian population. It also demands that a donor conference be held within 12 months to finance Palestine’s immediate health needs and the rehabilitation of its health system.

During the assembly, Palestine’s status was raised to become an observer member of the WHO. This will allow its delegation to have greater possibilities of participation and presentation of proposals, but they will not yet have the right to vote. The assembly concluded after six days of debates on various health-related issues.