MAP PRESS RELEASE – GAZA HOSPITALS UNDER ATTACK

[Editor]

MAP PRESS RELEASE – GAZA HOSPITALS UNDER ATTACK

15.1.09 – 10am GMT

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) have just had confirmation from our hospital emergency aid coordinators that both Al Wafa Hospital, in the eastern part of Gaza City, and Al Fata (also known as Al Wia’m) Hospital, in Tal El Hawa, west of Gaza City, have both been bombed by the Israeli military.

Al Wafa hospital is the only rehabilitation hospital in all of Gaza.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that Al Quds Hospital has suffered a direct hit. Both Al Quds hospital and the European Hospital have been surrounded by Israeli troops and are reportedly being hit with white phosphorus.

The UN has warned that security for medical personnel and access to medical facilities continues to be of major concern. Attacks on medical personnel and ambulances have hampered the ability to assist the injured. According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), since 27 December 2008, 13 medical personnel have been killed and 22 medical personnel have been injured while on duty; 15 ambulances have been damaged and seven ambulances have been destroyed; and twelve health facilities have been damaged through direct or indirect shelling.


For more information and comment on this attack from MAP’s staff on the ground please contact the MAP Press Office on 0207 288 7347 / 07932 607711.



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