West Bank: Access to medical care at risk as Israeli incursions gain in intensity

“Our staff are currently restricted in their movement and ability to provide direct support to the population. We have only been able to provide emergency psychological first aid in Tulkarm and to make a donation [of medical supplies, baby milk and diapers] in Jenin," says Doctors Without Borders Project Coordinator Caroline Willemen.

In Hebron, Israeli forces have blocked access into and out of the city, preventing Doctors Without Borders teams from running mobile clinics and supporting Doctors Without Borders' maternity located outside the city. Inside the city, Doctors Without Borders clinic is operational, but people report that blockades and the feeling of insecurity prevent patients from accessing it.

In Jenin and Tulkarm, ambulances and health workers have been repeatedly attacked, seriously compromising medical activities. After eight days of incursion, needs are on the rise, particularly in the camps, and more humanitarian response is needed.

“Israeli armored vehicles are stationed at the entrances to the Doctors Without Borders-supported Khalil Suleiman hospital in Jenin, and hospital staff are struggling to maintain activities amid electricity and water shortages,” says Willemen. 

Another paramedic trained by Doctors Without Borders describes how Israeli soldiers entered his home and threatened him: “Israeli forces broke down my door. I informed them several times that I was a volunteer for medical organisations, but they dragged me out and kicked my back before pointing a weapon at my head.”

The recent incursions on the West Bank are the most intense since 2002. As of 5 September, 39 Palestinians have been killed and 140 injured since 28 August, according to the Ministry of Health. These attacks are part of a wider pattern of violence that has sharply deteriorated since the start of the war in Gaza. More than 652 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023. 

Doctors Without Borders calls for civilians, health workers, ambulances, health facilities and hospitals to be protected at all costs. As the occupying power, Israeli authorities must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to guarantee unimpeded access to healthcare and other essential services in the West Bank.