The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a resolution submitted by Arab member countries condemning the Israeli siege on Gaza, calling for its and lifting all restrictions on Gaza border terminals.The solution was approved by 56 members while six voted against it, and 72 member countries abstained.
The World Health Organization called for improving the health conditions in Gaza, especially for ailing children, in addition to improving the health conditions of Palestinian political prisoners held by Israel, denied their internationally-guaranteed rights, Iranian Press TV reported.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza welcomed the vote and said that more than 500 patients have died in the Gaza Strip due to the illegal Israeli siege imposed in 2007.
The Ministry stated medical centers in the coastal region lack basic medicines and equipment, and that patients died while awaiting permission from Israel to leave the coastal region for medical treatment elsewhere.
The Israeli siege on Gaza has isolated the coastal region from the rest of the world and turned it into what has been described as the ‘world’s largest open air prison’ with more than 1.6 million Palestinian inmates. The siege has stopped the residents’ access to basic and urgently needed medical and humanitarian supplies, and denied them their right to travel; all in direct violation of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
