At Doctors of the World, we aim to provide as much aid as we can to help the Palestinian civilian population.focusing on 2 major issues. 

Israel has taken several actions to weaken and take apart Palestines healthcare system and the overall wellbeing of Palestinians. The ground, air and sea blockade imposed by Israel in 2007, has led to a permanent shortage of medicine, food, and equipment. Nearly a third of the Palestinian population lives in extreme poverty. 

In 2021, 6 Palestinian NGOs were declared terrorist organizations by the Israeli government. This announcement has had a negative impact on the partnership of these organizations with International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and the donor community, limiting the services they provide to the Palestinian community. This announcement is considered by INGOs, including Doctors of the World, as part of the practice of shrinking the humanitarian space put in place by the Israeli government. 

In the Gaza Strip, people with cancer or chronic illnesses need treatment that is unavailable in their area, and must be transferred. Unfortunately, the number of exit permits granted to patients in need of urgent care has steadily decreased over the years by Israel. In 2022, a boy (10) and a woman (37) died after Israel delayed their exit permits from Gaza. 

Doctors of the World is limited in the actions it can take in Palestine. While we cannot change the policy on the exit permits or the blockade, we aim to strengthen and prepare Palestines healthcare facilities, particularly for emergencies. We provide medical training to healthcare staff on how to provide emergency care, as well as contribute with assistance and equipment to our partners and local health personnel.

One key role we have taken is directing the victims of crises to the appropriate structures to relieve overcrowded hospitals and improve the quality of primary care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this support from the emergency services was renewed. Health personnel have thus been trained, and the necessary protection such as masks have been distributed.