West Bank healthcare ‘in a state of perpetual emergency’: MSF

West Bank healthcare ‘in a state of perpetual emergency’: MSF
Israel has ignored repeated appeals to stop the violence against healthcare workers, patients, and health facilities. (MSF photo)
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Updated 06 February 2025
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West Bank healthcare ‘in a state of perpetual emergency’: MSF

West Bank healthcare ‘in a state of perpetual emergency’: MSF
  • Most clinics and hospitals are running at significantly reduced levels, medical charity says

GENEVA: The healthcare system in the occupied West Bank has been in “a state of perpetual emergency” since October 2023, the Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, group said in a new report published on Thursday.

“A dramatic escalation in violence, marked by prolonged Israeli military incursions and stricter movement restrictions ... have severely hindered access to essential services, particularly health care, exacerbating already dire living conditions for many Palestinians,” it said.

Violence in the region soared after the attack on Israel in October 2023, which triggered a massive retaliation by Israel that has leveled much of Gaza.

“Since Oct. 7, 2023, the West Bank has seen a dramatic escalation in violence, marked by prolonged Israeli military incursions and stricter movement restrictions,” it said.

The report examined “the attacks and the obstructions of healthcare in a context of what has been described by the ICJ (International Criminal Court) as segregation and apartheid.”

It revealed “a pattern of systematic interference by Israeli forces and settlers in emergency health care delivery.”

The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli troops and settlers have killed at least 884 Palestinians, including many militants, in the West Bank since the Gaza war began on Oct. 7, 2023.

Over the same period, at least 32 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military raids in the territory, official Israeli figures show.

Preventing Palestinians from accessing healtcare was “part of a wider system of collective punishment imposed by Israel, under the guise of its crackdown on armed Palestinian men,” MSF said.

“The already-strained Palestinian healthcare system in the West Bank has been further weakened since October 2023 and is facing significant budget constraints,” it said.

Nearly half the essential medications are out of stock, and health workers have not been paid in a year, the report said, adding that “most clinics and hospitals are running at significantly reduced levels.”

“Access to health care is severely impeded by a sprawling system of checkpoints and roadblocks that obstruct ambulance movements, compounded by the escalation of violent military raids involving the use of disproportionate tactics.”

This is compounded by “frequent attacks on medical personnel and facilities ... Hospitals and healthcare structures are often encircled by military forces, with troops sometimes occupying the buildings themselves, compounding the risks to both patients and staff.”

Violence from settlers often exacerbates these dire conditions, it said.

MSF called on Israel to stop its “disproportionate use of force” in the West Bank, including on medical facilities and against medical personnel.

It called for independent probes into past such attacks, for Israel to facilitate medical access to those in need, and to allow the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA to be allowed to continue its work.

Israeli military offensives in two West Bank refugee camps have displaced nearly 5,500 Palestinian families since December, local and UN officials said this week, amid escalating violence in the occupied territory.

Jonathan Fowler, spokesman for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said an estimated 2,450 to 3,000 families have been displaced from the Tulkarem refugee camp.

Faisal Salama, head of the camp’s popular committee, estimated that 80 percent of its 15,000 residents had been displaced.

Both Salama and Fowler said that obtaining precise figures was challenging because of the security situation within the camp and its fluctuating population.

“The displaced people from the camp are scattered in the suburbs and in the city of Tulkarem itself,” Salama said.

He said that six people had been killed and dozens wounded since the offensive began on Jan. 25.

“The bombing of residential homes in the camp continues, along with destruction and bulldozing of everything.”

Salama also reported that the violence has severely restricted the movement of goods into the camp.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday an Israeli attack on Syria that killed civilians.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom reiterates its categorical rejection of the continued attempts of the Israeli occupation authorities to undermine the security and stability of Syria and the region through their blatant and repeated violations of relevant international laws.
Syrian authorities said the attack on the village of Kuwayya killed at least 6 civilians.
The Syrian foreign ministry in a statement condemned “the continued Israeli aggression on Syrian territory, which saw a dangerous escalation in the village of Kuwayya” in the southern Daraa province.
Israel has continued its bombing campaign in Syria even after the ouster of Bashar Assad, whose rule came to an end last year after a swift rebel advance led to him fleeing to Russia.

UAE president discusses Gaza with Donald Trump, reviews recent bilateral agreements

UAE president discusses Gaza with Donald Trump, reviews recent bilateral agreements
Updated 44 min 9 sec ago
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UAE president discusses Gaza with Donald Trump, reviews recent bilateral agreements

UAE president discusses Gaza with Donald Trump, reviews recent bilateral agreements
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed reiterates to his US counterpart the UAE’s commitment to a 2-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
  • The leaders also review the outcomes of the official visit to Washington last week by the UAE’s national security adviser

LONDON: The president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, spoke on Tuesday with his American counterpart, Donald Trump, about several Middle Eastern issues including the conflict in Gaza.

During their telephone conversation, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the UAE’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the foundation for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region.

He also addressed the ongoing efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire agreement in Gaza and maintain regional stability, and emphasized the need for vital humanitarian aid to reach the people in the Palestinian territory, the Emirates News Agency reported.

The leaders also reviewed the outcomes of an official visit to Washington last week by the UAE’s national security adviser, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. Significant agreements between the two nations were reached during his trip in areas including artificial intelligence, advanced technology, infrastructure and energy.

Sheikh Mohammed and Trump reiterated their shared commitment to the enhancement of strategic cooperation for mutual benefit, the news agency added.


100,000 Palestinians perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

100,000 Palestinians perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque
Updated 26 March 2025
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100,000 Palestinians perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

100,000 Palestinians perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque
  • Ramadan set to conclude at the weekend

LONDON: Around 100,000 Palestinians performed the evening and Taraweeh prayers on the 25th day of the holy month of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Tuesday, despite Israeli restrictions.

Ramadan, a month of fasting and worship for Muslims from sunrise to sunset, is set to conclude at the weekend. The last 10 days of the holy month are a time when some Muslims dedicate themselves to worship.

The Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, which is responsible for administering the site, said that most of the 100,000 worshippers were residents of Jerusalem and Palestinian citizens of Israel.

However, thousands of Palestinians from various cities and towns in the occupied West Bank were prevented from entering Jerusalem due to Israeli military checkpoints. Restrictive measures have been implemented by Israel since the start of Ramadan and age and security screenings have played a part in determining whether access to the city is allowed.

Upon the conclusion of Ramadan on Saturday or Sunday, majority-Muslim countries celebrate the holiday of Eid Al-Fitr over three days, marking the festivities of breaking the fast with family visits and trips.


UN officials call for ‘fast and broad’ easing of sanctions as Syria faces fragile transition

UN officials call for ‘fast and broad’ easing of sanctions as Syria faces fragile transition
Updated 26 March 2025
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UN officials call for ‘fast and broad’ easing of sanctions as Syria faces fragile transition

UN officials call for ‘fast and broad’ easing of sanctions as Syria faces fragile transition
  • ‘Some steps have been taken but more is needed if Syrians are to be given the chance to recover,’ the UN’s special envoy for Syria tells Security Council
  • The country faces ‘immense challenges,’ and requires ‘serious international support’ in the form of investment in reconstruction, and funding for humanitarian aid

NEW YORK CITY: As Syria grapples with the aftermath of 14 years of civil war, UN leaders on Tuesday called for a “fast and broad” easing of the sanctions on the country, as they stressed the need for urgent international action to support a fragile political transition and address an escalating humanitarian crisis.

“We need to see fast and broad sanctions-easing, with relevant targeted and sectoral suspensions, including in energy, investments, finance, health and education,” said Geir Pedersen, the UN’s special envoy for Syria.

“Some steps have been taken but more is needed if Syrians are to be given the chance to recover. It is essential that sanctioning states consider the important restrictions that still persist and that hamper response.”

He was speaking during a meeting of the Security Council in New York to discuss the “immense challenges” facing the country four months after the fall of the Assad regime.

It comes amid several significant developments on the political and security fronts in Syria. This month, sectarian violence between the caretaker authorities and their affiliates on one hand, and Alawite fighters on the other, has left hundreds of civilians dead in the western coastal governorates of Latakia and Tartous. This represents the most dangerous escalation of violence in the country since the fall of former president Bashar Assad and his government in December.

“The scale and sophistication of these attacks were striking,” Pedersen said.

Despite the ongoing violence there and elsewhere, including areas such as Aleppo, northeastern Syria and southern regions, Pedersen remained cautiously optimistic about recent peace agreements, including one between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim national authorities.

“The agreement offers hope for more effective humanitarian access and a path forward in northeast Syria,” he said.

A credible political transition is an important step in ensuring long-term stability, he added, and the UN has been pushing for a more inclusive and transparent process as the country prepares for the appointment of transitional authorities.

“Syrians await the announcement of a transitional government and a legislative council that reflects the country’s diversity,” Pedersen said. He called for further cooperation on constitutional and security-sector reforms, and efforts to ensure accountability for past atrocities.

He noted that “there was a sense of exclusion from the transition and the public sector, and there were pent-up grievances and anger towards persons associated with the former regime.”

He also emphasized the critical need for international investment in the reconstruction process.

“Syrians need an economic future and they need serious international support to enable it,” he said, as he urged the international community to consider the easing of sanctions and provide the vital assistance required to help rebuild shattered infrastructure.

Tom Fletcher, the UN’s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, told council members that there was a “real sense of progress” in efforts to scale up humanitarian efforts in Syria. Cross-border aid deliveries from Turkiye have been significantly expanded, allowing relief teams to reach key areas such as Damascus and Homs, he said.

“We’re engaging with various member states to further ease sanctions and restrictions that affect our operations,” Fletcher added.

“Through this combination of efforts we, on your behalf, are getting support to millions of people across Syria each month.”

He noted the critical role of international partners in this effort, and acknowledged in particular Qatar’s contribution to the provision of electricity for Syrians, via Jordan, and infrastructure projects such as the reopening of the Atareb Water Station in Aleppo, which is now serving about 40,000 people.

However, he warned that adequate funding remains a major obstacle.

“The outlook is gloomy,” Fletcher said. “Our initial survey suggests that almost half of US-funded organizations have received full or partial stop orders, with a 40 per cent cut in humanitarian staff.

“This year, we are appealing for $2 billion to reach 8 million of the most vulnerable people through June. So far, we’ve received only about $155 million, just 13 percent of what we need.”

The funding shortfalls continue to impede life-saving operations, he added.

Both Pedersen and Fletcher warned that the stakes are high and the cost of hesitation in the face of Syria’s transition would be far greater than any investment needed to help foster a lasting peace.

“But there is no time to spare,” Fletcher said. “Let us be problem-solvers rather than problem-observers. We need to move with greater urgency, while we can. The price of failure will far outweigh the investment we are asking for.

“The people of Syria deserve the chance to see through the monumental task ahead and build a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future. We must respond to their aspirations with energy and ambition.”


Turkiye protesters fill streets, defying crackdown

Turkiye protesters fill streets, defying crackdown
Updated 26 March 2025
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Turkiye protesters fill streets, defying crackdown

Turkiye protesters fill streets, defying crackdown
  • Vast crowds have defied a protest ban to hit the streets daily since the Mar. 19
  • Students chanted “government, resign!” and waved flags and banners with slogans including “Tayyip resign!“

ISTANBUL: Thousands of protesters returned to the streets of Istanbul on Tuesday after a week of the biggest protests to hit Türkiye in over a decade, defying a crackdown that has seen almost 1,500 arrested.
The demonstrations erupted after the arrest of the mayor of Istanbul Ekrem Imamoglu, the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a move opposition supporters see as a blatant violation of the rule of law.
The authorities have hit back with a crackdown that has alarmed rights groups, with seven journalists who covered the protests remanded in custody by an Istanbul court on Tuesday.
Among them was AFP photographer Yasin Akgul, drawing a sharp rebuke from the Paris-based news agency.
“His imprisonment is unacceptable. This is why I am asking you to intervene as quickly as possible to obtain the rapid release of our journalist,” the agency’s CEO and chairman Fabrice Fries said in a letter to the Turkish presidency.
The court charged Akgul, 35, and the others with “taking part in illegal rallies and marches,” though Fries said Akgul was “not part of the protest” but only covering it as a journalist.
Media freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) denounced the decision as “scandalous,” with its Türkiye representative Erol Onderoglu saying it “reflects a very serious situation in Turkiye.”
Vast crowds have defied a protest ban to hit the streets daily since the Mar. 19 arrest of Imamoglu, with the unrest spreading across Türkiye and prompting nightly clashes with security forces.
In the face of the biggest protests in Türkiye since the 2013 Gezi uprising over the redevelopment of an Istanbul park, Erdogan has remained defiant, denouncing the rallies as “street terror.”
“Those who spread terror in the streets and want to set fire to this country have nowhere to go. The path they have taken is a dead end,” Erdogan, who has now ruled the NATO member for a quarter of a century, said on Tuesday.
But as he spoke thousands of students marched through the Sisli district of Istanbul, whose mayor Resul Emrah Sahan was jailed in the same case as Imamoglu, heading for the district’s municipal headquarters.
They chanted “government, resign!” and waved flags and banners with slogans including “Tayyip resign!” as a large deployment of riot police watched, while people in apartments above bashed pots to show their approval.
Many had their faces covered with scarves or masks, and acknowledged they feared being identified by the police.
“We can’t express ourselves freely,” a student who gave her name as Nisa told AFP, saying she nonetheless joined the protest “to defend democracy.”
Separately, thousands also rallied for the seventh straight night in a protest organized by Imamoglu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) in the Sarachane district, home of the Istanbul city hall that Imamoglu ran since 2019.
Girding for what could be a long standoff, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel called a mass rally for Saturday in Istanbul that he said would be the “largest open-air referendum in history” and would press for early elections.
“Are you ready for a big rally in a large square in Istanbul on Saturday to support Imamoglu, to object to his arrest, to demand transparent, open trials, to say we have had enough and we want early elections?” Ozel asked protesters, telling them the rally would be held in the vast Maltepe grounds on the Asian side of Istanbul.
In a possible change of tactics to focus efforts on Saturday’s rally, he said he would not call for another Sarachane protest on Wednesday.
With riot police using water cannon, pepper spray and rubber bullets against protesters, the Council of Europe denounced a “disproportionate” use of force while Human Rights Watch said it was a “dark time for democracy” in Türkiye.
The United Nations also voiced alarm at Türkiye’s use of mass detentions and its “unlawful blanket ban on protests,” urging the authorities to probe any unlawful use of force.
By Tuesday, police had detained 1,418 suspects for taking part in “illegal demonstrations,” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on X, warning there would be “no concessions” for those who “terrorize the streets.”
But Ozel told the Sarachane crowd: “We do not decrease in numbers with arrests — there will be even more of us.”
He added the extent of the crackdown was such that there was “no room left in Istanbul prisons.”