Palestinian Minister of Health: Our debt exceeding 1 billion 300 dollars threatens healthcare services

The Palestinian Ministry of Health conveyed the statement of Palestinian Minister of Health Abu Ramadan, who spoke at the opening of the 3rd Arab China Health Cooperation Forum held in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

Abu Ramadan pointed out that Israel's continued retention of Palestinian tax funds deepens the financial crisis and negatively affects the capacity of the government and the Ministry of Health to fulfill their obligations and ensure the continuity of services.

Stating that the Palestinian administration is in a financial crisis with increasing medical and humanitarian needs, Abu Ramadan said, "Our debt exceeding 1 billion 300 million dollars threatens healthcare services." he said.

Abu Ramadan reminded that Israeli attacks and occupation in the Gaza Strip caused widespread destruction affecting hospitals, health centers and infrastructure, and emphasized that the people of the region are "faced with one of the most severe humanitarian and health crises in its history."

Noting that the healthcare system in Gaza is in a difficult situation in humanitarian and operational terms, Abu Ramadan pointed out the crisis in the region regarding medical supplies, equipment and fuel.

Abu Ramadan underlined that the health sector is a fundamental human right that cannot be held hostage to political or economic conditions, and added that protecting the right to health in Palestine is not only the responsibility of Palestinians, but also the international community is testing humanity.

According to the latest data announced by the Ministry of Health in Gaza, 1610 people lost their lives and 5 thousand 819 people were injured in the attacks carried out by Israel in Gaza since the ceasefire.

In Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 2023, the total loss of life exceeded 74 thousand and the number of injured exceeded 175 thousand.