GENEVA, May 19, 2025 (WAFA) –Minister of Health Majed Abu Ramadan briefed his Icelandic counterpart, Alma Möller, on the dire healthcare system in Palestine in light of Israel’s ongoing aggression on Gaza and the West Bank, which has persisted for over 19 months.
The meeting took place Monday on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
During the meeting, Abu Ramadan highlighted the extensive destruction inflicted on the Palestinian health system as a result of the Israeli aggression, including the severe blockade on Gaza, restrictions on the entry of medical aid and the denial of medical evacuations. He noted the widespread damage to hospitals and health centers and the acute shortages of essential medical supplies and medications.
He described the complete collapse of the health environment in Gaza, which has contributed to the spread of infections and diseases. He also warned of a potential polio outbreak, citing a confirmed case involving a 10-month-old unvaccinated child. In response, the Ministry, along with humanitarian health organizations, launched three rounds of vaccination campaigns in the Gaza Strip.
The meeting also addressed the grave risks faced by the population in Gaza due to repeated mass displacement under dire humanitarian conditions. Abu Ramadan emphasized the urgent need to evacuate thousands of patients for treatment, most of whom are currently barred from leaving the Gaza Strip.
He added that ongoing electricity and fuel shortages have repeatedly threatened hospital operations and the provision of healthcare services. He stressed that the situation in the West Bank is similarly alarming due to Israeli checkpoints, the fragmentation of cities, restricted access to healthcare facilities, and direct attacks on hospitals and medical teams, in addition to the forced displacement of civilians from refugee camps.
Abu Ramadan also addressed the severe financial crisis facing the Ministry, exacerbated by Israel’s withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues. This has severely impacted the Ministry’s ability to maintain staff, procure medicines and equipment, and has led to mounting debts and critical shortages in drug supplies.
He reiterated his urgent call for the international community to intervene and exert pressure on Israel to immediately and sustainably end its aggression.
He appealed for technical and financial support to strengthen the Palestinian health sector, including the deployment of medical teams and mobile clinics, as well as providing assistance in establishing field hospitals equipped with the necessary medical supplies.
For her part, the Icelandic Health Minister expressed her country’s full solidarity with the Palestinian people and affirmed Iceland’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian healthcare sector. She announced Iceland’s readiness to send medical teams to Gaza and receive injured Palestinians, particularly amputees, for treatment and rehabilitation in Icelandic health facilities.
Möller further assured that Iceland would fully support Palestine’s positions at the World Health Assembly, with the goal of reinforcing the resilience of the Palestinian health system amid continuing challenges.
Abu Ramadan thanked his Icelandic counterpart for her country's position and support for Palestine and the Palestinian health sector, emphasizing the importance of strengthening joint cooperation between the two countries in the health field.
T.R.
