Posted on 09/03/2006 9:44:47 AM PDT by Alouette
Human rights group: Contempt for human life in Gaza
Physicians for Human Rights link dire medical services in Gaza to closure of border crossings into Gaza
Ali Waked Latest Update: 09.03.06, 19:29
Members of the Physicians for Human Rights organization deplored on Sunday the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip where they visited a number of hospitals and met with Palestinian Health Minister Dr Basim Naeem of Hamas.
Prof. Tzvi Bentwich of the group said he was impressed by the interest among members of the Palestinian medical services in cooperating with Israel to improve the situation in Gaza. "There are people on the other side who want contact with Israelis and they speak of the necessity to have relations with Israel. The Palestinian health minister in the Hamas government, despite things he said as a politician, was determined and clear regarding the need for professional cooperation in the medical field," Bentwich said.
Bentwich said tight security measures imposed by the Israel Defense Forces at border crossings is stymieing efforts to replenish drugs stocks in Gaza hospitals and preventing patients from receiving necessary treatment.
"On this matter there is total contempt for human life, even if the Palestinians are being forced to get used to the fact that citizens are dying because of shortages in drugs and treatment, or inappropriate treatment," he added.
Bentwich accused the Israeli government's actions fall short of its claims that its policy is to alleviate the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
"It is about time that on this matter the government did what it claims to be doing and doesn't do – to allow free movement for patients, drugs, to assist the ill and needy," he said.
Group members asked the Palestinian health minister for information about kidnapped Corporal Gilad Shalit. "He said that he doesn't know about his condition, that he is not responsible for his kidnap and its consequences and that he doesn't interfere in these matters," Bentwich said of the minister's response.
Security Threat
During the visit Bentwich met a 27-year-old Samah Tatar. Samah underwent a series of operation and treatments in Gaza for a recurring bladder infection but doctors recommended a special catheterization, which is only available in Israeli hospitals.
Her father, Dr Salameh Tatar, said his daughter's situation is likely to deteriorate if she doesn't undergo the catheterization in Israel or elsewhere.
"We submitted a request to enter the Ichilov Hospital (in Tel Aviv), but they told us my daughter is banned for security considerations," he said.
"I am surprised by this claim. A young woman, a student suffering from a serious illness and who can hardly walk, which security threat does she bring? That's a humanitarian case and I hope they will help us to save my daughter … Please help us," he said.
And I should give half a s#it about the Palestinians because.....?
Warning! This is a high-volume ping list.
I'd rather have a healthy debate with a Jewish person, grab a six pack, and hug my wife.
Allah fubar.
Don't they mean OUT of Gaza?
Those darn Jooo's, first you try to kill them all, then they refuse free medical services. No appreciation I tell ya!
They never seemed to be any where near as worried about terrorist attacks!
Is ANYBODY responsible over there?
Human Rights Watch vs. Human Rights--The cynical manipulation of a worthy cause has a history
So they want the Jews out, but they want the technology and knowledge that the Jews have developed? Typical.
They want the Jews out, but the Jews to stay to give them welfare and medical services...
The source of the problem is that the Palestinians cannot secure the border. There is like a mob fight over control of the crossing - where a lot of bribery, extortion and "fees" are collected - so naturally rival gangs are vying for control. They threaten attacks back and forth, forcing it to close.
The media and the NGO's constantly portray it as Israeli callousness but that's not the problem at all. Other than security there is every reason for Israel to want it open to trade goods in and out.
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