WHO adopts two resolutions in favor of Palestine
GENEVA, May 23 (YPA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted two draft decisions during the 79th session of the World Health Assembly, held in Geneva from 18 to 23 May, in support of health conditions in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan, by a broad international majority.
The Assembly adopted the first draft decision, “Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan,” by a majority of 89 countries, with 31 abstentions and only 5 votes against.
The decision underscored the severity of the deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions, particularly in the Gaza Strip, noting that the worsening food and health situation is linked to policies of starvation and the obstruction of essential supplies, as well as the resulting collapse of the health system and the increasing risk of disease outbreaks in overcrowded shelters.
It requested the WHO Director-General to prepare periodic reports, based on field assessments, to monitor violations against patients, the wounded, medical personnel, and ambulances.
It also stressed the need to protect vital facilities, ensure the unhindered entry of fuel and medical supplies, and secure vaccines, medicines, and mental health services, particularly for children and adolescents affected by trauma, in addition to strengthening specialized care for critical cases to prevent severe complications.
The decision emphasized the need to comply with measures issued by the International Court of Justice, including the opening of crossings and the facilitation of medical evacuations, and called for the convening of an international donors’ conference before the next session of the World Health Assembly to support the reconstruction of the Palestinian health sector.
The Assembly also adopted a second draft decision, “Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem,” by a majority of 108 countries, with 13 abstentions and 3 votes against, marking one of the highest levels of international support for the Palestinian issue within the organization.
The decision is based on the resolution adopted during the special session held in December 2023, and it primarily focuses on the catastrophic health and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as the extensive destruction inflicted on the health infrastructure as a result of the Israeli aggression.
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