GENEVA, May 23, 2025 (WAFA) – Minister of Health Majed Abu Ramadan and Pierre Krähenbühl, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), discussed the Israeli aggression targeting the Palestinian health sector, including the destruction of hospitals and the targeting of medical teams.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 87th session of the World Health Organization’s General Assembly in Geneva.
Abu Ramadan called on the ICRC to document all ongoing Israeli violations in the occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly those infringing upon Palestinians’ right to health and life.
He underscored the deliberate targeting of hospitals and medical personnel in the Gaza Strip, as well as the obstruction faced by doctors trying to carry out their duties amid relentless bombardment, which has left the majority of healthcare facilities non-operational.
He stated that the Israeli occupation has been blocking the entry of medicines and medical aid into the Gaza Strip for over 80 days, while also imposing severe restrictions in the West Bank, including assaults on medical personnel and the obstruction of ambulance movement. Moreover, he underscored that the existence of more than 900 military checkpoints continues to critically impede access to essential healthcare services.
For his part, Krähenbühl affirmed that the ICRC considers developments in the occupied Palestinian territory a top priority. He stated that the organization remains engaged in close cooperation with the Palestinian side and is actively working to press for the opening of border crossings, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the achievement of a lasting ceasefire agreement.
He emphasized that the Israeli occupation remains the primary obstacle to the work of humanitarian organizations, pointing out that the central issue is the continued closure of border crossings and the blockade that prevents aid from reaching the wounded and those in need.
Krähenbühl stated that although the ICRC and other international organizations are fully capable of carrying out their duties effectively, the main obstacle remains the Israeli restrictions, particularly the aid blockade imposed since March 2.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed on the need to maintain coordination and joint efforts to protect civilians, ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance, maintain contact with released detainees, and document violations of international humanitarian law in pursuit of justice and accountability.
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