The number one health issue in Palestine is the Israeli occupation

The Israeli occupation is widely regarded as the primary health crisis affecting Palestinians, according to reports from multiple independent sources. Since 7 October 2023, the West Bank has experienced a dramatic escalation in violence, with the Israeli government, military and settler groups intensifying efforts to ethnically cleanse, seize land and fragment territory. These actions have severely disrupted the lives of Palestinians, limiting their ability to maintain even basic standards of health and dignity. The impact of Israeli policies has been particularly severe in Gaza, where the conflict has persisted for over 1,000 days. Despite claims of a ceasefire, the situation remains dire, with Palestinians continuing to face daily violence in their homes, hospitals and streets. Casualty numbers have risen sharply, with over 1,110 Palestinians killed and nearly 3,600 injured since the beginning of the so-called ceasefire period. The Israeli “yellow line,” a shifting boundary dividing the Strip into controlled zones, has expanded, forcing millions into confined spaces where disease spreads rapidly due to poor sanitation and limited resources. Conditions in Gaza have deteriorated significantly, leading to widespread outbreaks of respiratory infections, skin diseases and diarrheal illnesses. These health crises are exacerbated by the lack of clean water and inadequate medical infrastructure. Healthcare workers, patients, ambulances and hospitals have all come under direct attack, with many suffering injuries or death. On 26 October 2024, during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital, MSF surgeon Dr. Mohammed Obeid was among 57 individuals arrested. He remains in custody without formal charges, joining over 95 other Palestinian healthcare professionals still detained by Israeli forces. The destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system has had long-term consequences. Over 1,700 health workers have been killed since October 2023, along with 15 members of the MSF team. The loss of such critical personnel has left the region’s medical community in a state of crisis, requiring years to recover. In addition, Israel has taken steps to restrict humanitarian aid, including the deregistration of 37 organizations in January. This move has hindered the entry of both international staff and essential supplies into Gaza and the West Bank, despite some limited deliveries. In the West Bank, the situation is equally grim. Movement restrictions have become increasingly strict, preventing Palestinians from accessing vital services, including healthcare. Residents in cities like Nablus and Hebron report rising levels of trauma and depression, attributed to ongoing violence and the inability to travel freely. The Israeli military and settlers have intensified attacks on homes, schools and farmland, leaving communities in constant fear. These tactics have contributed to a breakdown in social stability, making it difficult for individuals to seek care or support. The Israeli government has consistently denied allegations of targeting healthcare facilities and personnel, maintaining that its actions are justified under security concerns. However, numerous accounts describe instances where medical staff were detained, ambulances were blocked and hospitals were attacked. These incidents have raised serious questions about the protection of civilian infrastructure and the adherence to international humanitarian law. As the conflict continues, the health of Palestinians remains a central concern. The combination of physical violence, systemic oppression and restricted access to essential services has created an environment where disease, mental distress and preventable deaths thrive. International attention appears to wane, despite the scale of human suffering. With no clear resolution in sight, the future of Palestinian health remains uncertain, dependent on the continuation of hostilities and the absence of meaningful diplomatic intervention.