GAZA (Palestine Foundation Information Center) The Director General of the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Munir al-Bursh, called for urgently increasing international pressure on the Israeli occupation to allow medical teams to enter northern Gaza and assist in saving the lives of residents.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera, he highlighted the devastating impact of the destruction of hospitals, which has contributed to the deaths of tens of thousands of people.
Al-Bursh explained that the Israeli occupation continues to delay the humanitarian provisions outlined in the ceasefire agreement, particularly the entry of essential medical supplies, medicines, equipment, and electricity generators into Gaza.
He emphasized that the delay in transferring field hospitals and medical equipment from southern Gaza to the north is exacerbating the health crisis, where medical services have nearly completely halted.
Al-Bursh specifically called for the entry of medical delegations, noting that these teams would be critical in performing special operations that have been urgently needed throughout the war.
He stressed that bringing these delegations into Gaza is far more urgent than evacuating the wounded, as the equipment needed to carry out life-saving surgeries is unavailable in the enclave.
He also explained that many of these delegations could also help train local medical staff in performing these complex procedures, a step that could significantly alleviate the ongoing health crisis.
In addition to requesting the medical teams, al-Bursh underscored the need for a safe passage to evacuate the wounded. Despite the ceasefire agreement allowing for the exit of 300 wounded individuals per day, only a very small fraction of those have been able to leave, and many of the evacuees are children rather than actual casualties.
He shared that a list of 400 children under the age of six had been submitted for evacuation but was repeatedly rejected by the Israeli occupation, citing “security reasons.” This inaction has led to heartbreaking consequences, with at least 100 children dying in recent months due to the occupation’s refusal to allow their evacuation, despite their eligibility to cross.
Despite the ceasefire agreement stipulating the urgent need for such supplies to be brought in, the Israeli occupation has prevented these essential items from entering the Strip.
