A resolution submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO) by 17 member states and Palestine, which has a special status, demands that Israel "fully respect its obligations to protect medical and humanitarian personnel in the Gaza Strip, which is under heavy bombardment by the Israeli army." The text is scheduled to be reviewed on Sunday during a special session of the WHO Executive Board convened to discuss "the health situation in the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem."
The resolution has been presented by Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bolivia, China, Egypt, the UAE, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Tunisia, Turkey, and Yemen. The resolution states that "the Executive Board expresses its deep concern regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, particularly with regard to military operations in the Gaza Strip."
The text expresses concern about "the blockade being imposed" and the extent of "the significant damage inflicted on public health." It also addresses the risks that the presence of "thousands of victims still buried under the rubble" may pose to public health, as well as the conditions regarding hygiene and overcrowded shelters.
