Palestinian Health Crisis

Since the deterioration of Israeli-Palestinian relations following the launch of the Second
Intifada in 2000 and in particular the electoral victory of Hamas in 2006, both official and
casual cooperation between the two sides has become almost nonexistent. This has led to
a worsening of relationships and a significant decline in the Palestinian economy and
public services.

The health situation in the Territories, while never exemplary, has rarely been this dire.
According to the PCHR (Palestinian Center for Human Rights) more than 150 types of
medicine, many of them essential for treating patients with chronic diseases, have run out
in hospitals and health clinics.

All of these problems are exacerbated by the Israeli blockade of the Territories. This
blockade worsens the economic situation that in turn makes it harder for the Palestinians
to afford medicine, food, and water, thus leading to further health complications in an
endless circle.

This is a situation that cannot go on much longer without what is already a major
humanitarian crisis reaching the breaking point. FAR has long been involved in the
Israeli-Palestinian situation, with the negative impact of the conflict on health being a
primary concern. In this case, the education between the two parties will help facilitate a
solution to this problem.