The “Protective Edge” Israeli military offensive launched on July 8 resulted in more than 2,000 casualties, more than 100,000 displacements, and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The health sector was also severely affected: 13 hospitals and 58 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) were damaged. Many Palestinians have been injured, and many others bear the signs of trauma left by the war.
Through three mobile clinics, MdM France provides primary health care, mental health services as well as education to health to the most vulnerable Palestinians in some of the most devastated areas where the health facilities have been completely destroyed. One clinic travels to public schools serving as shelters in Gaza city and Juhr El Deek area, and two other clinics are stationed in Khuza’a and Al Fukhari. Since the beginning of this operation, 6,208 patients have received care. In addition to that, MdM supports one PMRS mobile clinic in Beit Hanoun area, in the north of the Gaza Strip. MdM is also evaluating the repairs needed for five clinics that were completely or severely destroyed during the war.
Doctors of the World works in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza. “All our actions are done following its recommendations and often implemented in partnership with our Palestinian partners such as Culture and Free Thought Association (CFTA), Palestinian Medical Relief Service (PMRS), and SAWA, which is supported both by MdM France and MdM Switzerland” explains Owen Breuil, MdM General Coordinator in Jerusalem.
In addition, vouchers worth 300-shekel/60-euro are being distributed to 600 families for the purchase of medical and hygiene items such as soap and diapers. “We chose this approach because it is flexible and adapted to the real needs of the population. With these vouchers they are free to buy the items they really want. Their right to choose is not impacted, neither their dignity which is very important for them and so for us” says Thibault Larose, Field Coordinator in Gaza city.
MdM Spain supports Gaza hospitals, including al-Shifa hospital: an MdM surgeon has supported fifty surgical operations, and a second plastic surgeon is currently doing reconstructive surgery in the hospital. MdM staff has held seventeen psychosocial support sessions with an attendance of one hundred seventy three medical staff working in emergency rooms, operating rooms and rescue teams. These sessions are designed to reinforce their resilience and capacity to support the local population.
MdM contributes to the reconstruction effort of Gaza through its various and complementary actions: physical and mental care as well as support to health professionals and structures. However, this destruction-reconstruction spiral in Gaza strip has to come to an end. MdM stresses the need for this reconstruction to be sustainable and permanent: Palestinians and the Palestinian health care system must be respected, not attacked.
MdM team members are available on request for interviews or visits of MdM activities in the Gaza strip