JERUSALEM, Saturday, April 13, 2019 (WAFA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) called yesterday for the protection of health workers and health facilities in the Gaza Strip following a rise in the number of health workers killed or injured and facilities damaged by Israeli army gunfire.

WHO said in a press statement that it has recorded an unprecedented 446 attacks on health care in Gaza since the start of the Great March of Return on 30th March 2018.

These attacks have resulted in 3 deaths and 731 injuries among health workers. 104 ambulances and 6 other forms of health transport have been damaged, in addition to five health facilities and one hospital, it said.

In addition to personal risk and damage to health care, health workers also face substantial barriers to carrying out their work: firing between health workers and those injured prevents or hampers access and witnessing such events has significant implications for longer term mental health and continued work, said WHO.

“WHO reiterates its call for the protection of health workers and health facilities. Health care is #NotATarget,” it concluded its statement.

M.K.