Minister of Health for Palestine, H.E. Dr. Jawad Awad and Head of the WHO oPt Office, Dr. Gerald Rockenschaub update counterparts on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and West BankOn the 7 May 2018, Ramallah, the Health Cluster partners met to plan the upscale of emergency preparedness and response activities across the oPt. The meeting was led by WHO as the lead agency and the MoH co-chair of the cluster, with the special attendance of the Minister of Health for Palestine, Dr Jawad Awad. 

With the recent escalation in the Gaza Strip and medical supplies growing scarce, there is a renewed call from MoH and the humanitarian partners on the ground to ensure enhanced capacity and immediate response to cope with the increased burden of medical emergencies on the health system.

Since the demonstrations, which began on the 30 March, the type of injuries witnessed in Gaza result in the need for multiple complex surgeries, however emergency medical teams and medical supplies, including medicines and disposables are lacking. Meanwhile, trauma care must be viewed within the broader health needs as the situation continues to chronically deteriorate. Therefore responding to emergency trauma and non-trauma care to address all urgent needs is of the essence.

The coming weeks are predictably going to present the humanitarian community with growing challenges, both in Gaza and the West Bank.