Palestinian woman gives birth days after conditionally released from Israeli prison.
RAMALLAH, WEST BANK - SEPTEMBER 9: Palestinian woman Anhar al-Deek who was conditionally released from Israeli prison, is seen with her new-born baby at a hospital in Ramallah, West Bank on September 09, 2021. Israeli court ordered the conditional release of pregnant Palestinian prisoner Anhar al-Deek. Al-Deek was detained by Israeli forces five months ago on accusations of attempting to carry out a stabbing attack in an Israeli settlement built near her town. (Photo by Issam Rimawi/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
LET CHILDREN LIVE CAMPAIGN
Please pray that the children and families of the West Bank are able to access health care.
Dear gracious and loving God we lift up the healthcare workers, patients, and medical institutions in the West Bank. In a region burdened by systemic strain, conflict, and restricted movement, we ask for your swift intervention, protection, and provision. Give superhuman energy and emotional resilience to the doctors, nurses, paramedics, and volunteers working under chronic stress and limited resources. Shield medical personnel, ambulances, and hospitals from violence, interference, and harm. Let clinics remain safe sanctuaries of healing. Guide the hands and minds of the medical teams as they make critical, split-second decisions to save lives with scarce equipment. All powerful and loving God we pray for the removal of barriers, checkpoints, and blockades that prevent sick children, pregnant mothers, and the injured from reaching specialized hospitals. Protect the volunteers and organizations fighting for their freedom of movement. Amen
Context: The Impact of the situation in the West Bank on healthcare
The right to health is not just a moral principle but a legal obligation recognized by international law. The World Health Organization’s constitution, adopted in 1946, affirms that enjoyment of the highest standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being. Unfortunately, the healthcare system in the West Bank is facing a severe crisis and is near collapse due to severe funding shortages, restricted movement, and escalating military operations.
Financial and Resource Shortages
Revenue Withholding: Israel has withheld at least $2.5 billion in tax and customs revenues collected on behalf of the [Palestinian Authority (PA)
Unpaid Salaries: Because of the fiscal crisis, the PA struggles to pay public sector workers, leaving healthcare personnel severely underpaid.
Medicine Shortages: Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death in the West Bank, with heart disease, cancer and diabetes topping the list. The Palestinian Health Ministry has confirmed that hundreds of essential medicines are running critically low, including cancer treatments and dialysis drugs.
Reduced Operations: Many public clinics and hospitals have cut back operations to only once or twice a week, working at a drastically reduced capacity.
Access Barriers and Movement Restrictions
Checkpoints and Closures: Intensified road closures and military checkpoints turn routine medical transfers into dangerous ordeals, sometimes resulting in fatal delays.
Raids and Infrastructure Damage: Frequent Israeli military incursions have damaged local infrastructure and restricted access to water, electricity, and medical facilities.
Targeting of Health Missions: Human rights and health organizations, including the World Health Organization, have documented hundreds of attacks affecting medical staff, ambulances, and mobile clinics. Furthermore, the revocation of permits for numerous aid groups has hampered alternative efforts to bring care closer to vulnerable populations.
Impact on Women: The West Bank healthcare crisis has a particularly severe impact on women. Maternal, sexual, and reproductive health services have been significantly disrupted, leaving many pregnant women without access to safe childbirth, emergency obstetric care, or essential medicines.
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