Attacks on Healthcare Facilities in the West Bank: A Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Violence

The ongoing violence in the West Bank has been taking a toll on healthcare facilities in the region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), attacks on health workers and patients, combined with restrictions on movement, have made it difficult for residents to access essential medical care.

Between October and May, the WHO documented 480 attacks in the West Bank, including incidents involving ambulances. As a result, primary care clinics and outpatient specialty clinics are only operating two days a week, while hospitals are operating at around 70% capacity. This crisis has prompted the WHO to call for immediate action to protect civilians and healthcare facilities in the region.

The surge in violence in the West Bank has been ongoing for over a year, with a significant escalation occurring during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Since October, more than 5,200 Palestinians have been injured and 521 have lost their lives due to attacks by Hamas on Israel. The WHO is concerned about the increasing burden on health facilities as they struggle to cope with an influx of trauma and emergency cases.

The agency is urging for urgent measures to be taken to address the healthcare crisis and ensure that civilians can safely access medical care in the West Bank. The situation has exacerbated existing issues related to healthcare access and quality of care in the region, highlighting the need for long-term solutions that prioritize public health and well-being.