GAZA, June 14, 2011 (WAFA) – Palestinian health sector community organizations called for urgently supplying the Gaza Strip with medicines and medical supplies, in a statement published Tuesday.

The statement said the continuing shortage is causing a crisis in hospitals and medical centers in Gaza and threatening the lives of a large number of patients.

The community organizations considered Israeli measures of preventing the entry of medicines to Gaza a violation of one of the Palestinians’ inalienable rights.

Israeli authorities refuse to allow medical supplies into Gaza within the framework of Israel’s ongoing military siege of the Strip. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has prepared $10 million worth of medical supplies and medicines for Gaza, which are awaiting Israeli approval to enter, said head of Public Relations Office of the Health Ministry, Omar Nasr.

The health sector also called on President Mahmoud Abbas to intervene immediately to end the medical crisis and on international and Arab donors to aid Gaza by sending medicines and medical supplies.

R.Q./F.J.