Holy Land: World Health Organization reports on Gaza medical crisis

Caritas Jerusalem has sent us details of a new report from the World Health Organization concerning the health situation in Gaza and those trying to leave Gaza for health care. The WHO says: 'The denial and delay of permits released by the Israeli authorities for patients who have to leave Gaza for health reasons increased during 2007 causing further problems, in addition to the usual access difficulties that have been affecting the Palestinian population, particularly during the last eight years. 'his publication contains the description of five stories of people who recently died while waiting for a permit to allow them to have access to a hospital outside of Gaza. These are only five of many more cases of common people that during the last months have had the misfortune of becoming severely ill in the Gaza strip.' To read the full report see: www.emro.who.int/palestine