Amman, July 20 (Petra) - Doctors Without Borders (MSF) International President Javid Abdelmoneim stated Monday that Israel's policies systematically deny Palestinians medical care and dignity, calling the occupation "the number one health issue in Palestine." Abdelmoneim said that despite a declared ceasefire, Palestinians continue to be killed, injured, and displaced. He noted that between the start of the ceasefire and July 14, 2026, 1,110 Palestinians were killed and 3,599 injured, with June marking the deadliest month since October 2025.
He added that expanded Israeli military control and the designation of the "Yellow Line" have crammed over two million people into roughly one-third of the Gaza Strip.
"This is not incidental," Abdelmoneim warned, "It produces conditions of extreme overcrowding where disease spreads easily and basic needs go unmet. We see the consequences in our clinics: respiratory infections, skin diseases, and diarrhoeal illnesses, driven by the lack of clean water and sanitation and the inhumane living conditions.
In the West Bank, severe movement restrictions and escalating settler violence continue to block Palestinians from reaching hospitals, prompting MSF teams to treat rising cases of trauma and depression, according to Abdelmoneim.
The president emphasized that healthcare workers, patients, ambulances, and hospitals remain targets. Since October 2023, at least 1,700 healthcare professionals have been killed, including 15 MSF staff members.
The organization renewed its demand for the "immediate and unconditional" release of MSF surgeon Mohammed Obeid, who has been detained without charge by Israeli forces since the October 2024 raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.
MSF urged global governments to overhaul their policies by prioritizing civilian protection, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and safeguarding Palestinian dignity.
"Israel’s methods have become accepted; world leaders have normalized Israel’s conduct. Through political support, military aid, or silence, they have enabled the continuation of its policies," stated Abdelmoneim.
//Petra// HA
