GENEVA, May 22, 2026 (WAFA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted two draft decisions during the 79th session of the World Health Assembly, held in Geneva from 18 to 23 May, in support of health conditions in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan, by a broad international majority.
The Assembly adopted the first draft decision, “Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan,” by a majority of 89 countries, with 31 abstentions and only 5 votes against.
The decision underscored the severity of the deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions, particularly in the Gaza Strip, noting that the worsening food and health situation is linked to policies of starvation and the obstruction of essential supplies, as well as the resulting collapse of the health system and the increasing risk of disease outbreaks in overcrowded shelters.
It requested the WHO Director-General to prepare periodic reports, based on field assessments, to monitor violations against patients, the wounded, medical personnel, and ambulances.
It also stressed the need to protect vital facilities, ensure the unhindered entry of fuel and medical supplies, and secure vaccines, medicines, and mental health services, particularly for children and adolescents affected by trauma, in addition to strengthening specialized care for critical cases to prevent severe complications.
The decision emphasized the need to comply with measures issued by the International Court of Justice, including the opening of crossings and the facilitation of medical evacuations, and called for the convening of an international donors’ conference before the next session of the World Health Assembly to support the reconstruction of the Palestinian health sector.
The Assembly also adopted a second draft decision, “Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem,” by a majority of 108 countries, with 13 abstentions and 3 votes against, marking one of the highest levels of international support for the Palestinian issue within the organization.
The decision is based on the resolution adopted during the special session held in December 2023, and it primarily focuses on the catastrophic health and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as the extensive destruction inflicted on the health infrastructure as a result of the Israeli aggression.
It expressed deep concern over the killing and injury of tens of thousands of civilians, the majority of whom are women, children, and elderly people, as well as the thousands reported missing under the rubble, and condemned the heavy losses among medical teams and humanitarian workers.
It also noted that a large number of hospitals and ambulances had been put out of service due to bombardment or fuel shortages, leading to the paralysis of operating rooms, intensive care units, and neonatal incubators.
The decision warned of serious environmental and health consequences resulting from the inability to retrieve bodies from under the rubble amid the collapse of essential services.
It called for the immediate and unconditional passage of humanitarian and medical aid into the Gaza Strip, facilitation of medical evacuation for the wounded and sick, and full protection of health facilities and medical staff in accordance with the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
It further stressed the need for urgent funding to rehabilitate the Palestinian health system and ensure the sustainability of health programmes, in cooperation between the WHO, UNRWA, and international partners.
Palestinian Minister of Health Majed Abu Ramadan said that the adoption of the two decisions sends a clear international message that the world can no longer ignore the health and humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine.
He added that the broad majority supporting the decisions reflects growing support for the Palestinian right to health, life, and human dignity, and underscores the need for urgent action to protect hospitals and ensure the unrestricted flow of medical supplies.
The minister noted that the Palestinian health sector is facing one of the most severe crises in its history, stressing that what is required is international action that goes beyond statements to immediate and practical measures to save what remains of the health system.
He praised the positions of the supporting countries and affirmed continued Palestinian efforts with international partners to ensure the implementation of the decisions and accountability for violations against the health sector.
T.R.
