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Amman, Jordan, 5 December 2024 —  The ̽����ѡ (̽����ѡ), with €5 million in funding from the , are working alongside Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), Juzoor for Health and Social Development to address the critical need for adequate protection and health services in Gaza and the West Bank. This initiative aims to support 61,300 conflict-affected Palestinians in Gaza, as well as to support 400,000 Palestinians in the West Bank by building the capacity of health services to cope with the worsening humanitarian situation caused by escalating violence.

While the world’s attention has focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the West Bank is facing the worst violence since the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs () records began in 2005. More than 700 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October 2023, almost 25 percent of them children, and 5,000 have been injured - the majority by Israeli forces, and many during settler attacks. Moreover, five Israeli settlers have been killed by Palestinians during clashes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem with many others sustaining injuries.

With funds from the European Union, the ̽����ѡ, along with its partners—Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), Juzoor for Health and Social Development —is implementing an emergency program to provide lifesaving services to conflict-affected communities in Gaza and the West Bank. In particular, the initiative in the West Bank, focusing on Tulkarm and Hebron, aims to enhance health emergency preparedness. The program will ensure that hospitals and communities are equipped with the necessary supplies and trained personnel to meet the increased demand for critical services during emergencies. With a goal of reaching 400,000 Palestinians, the initiative includes pre-positioning emergency medical supplies, revising pre-hospital and hospital emergency protocols, and training 1,200 community volunteers in first aid. This comprehensive approach will strengthen the health system’s capacity to maintain essential services during crises, ultimately helping to save as many lives as possible.

The documented more than 573 attacks on health care facilities in the West Bank by Israeli forces during military operations, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries. Increased settler violence, military operations, and movement restrictions have severed Palestinians from essential services like health care, schools and food markets. Palestinians in the West Bank experience shortages of water, fuel, medical supplies, and other necessities, with Tulkarm and Hebron among the most affected areas.

Bart Witteveen, Country Director, ̽����ѡ - occupied Palestinian territory, said:

“̽����ѡ and our partners have identified that the Palestinian health system is not prepared to handle the consequences of escalating violence. There is a clear need to strengthen existing systems. This is not just about having systems and supplies ready—it is about making sure that hospitals and communities have the critical resources they need to save lives during emergencies. Strengthening the health system and building the capacities of ̽����ѡ partners means that we can provide the necessary care and support to save lives.

“To ensure the immediate and active protection of civilians and health care services in the West Bank, it is imperative that international humanitarian law is upheld. This means protecting health care facilities and the dedicated personnel who work there, allowing them to do their life-saving work without fear of attack or obstruction.”