Palestinian patients continue dying as a result of Israeli blockade

Tuesday September 02, 2008 15:15 by IMEMC Staff - IMEMC & Agencies

The death toll of patients has reached 245 as 77 year-old patient, Hussain Abu Jazzar died on Tuesday after having been unable to get treatment for his failed kidney, due to the continued Israeli blockade of Gaza.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry of the ruling party Hamas, the closure of Gaza's crossings including the Rafah crossing terminal by Israel since June 2007 has doubled the suffering of hundreds of patients awaiting a glimpse of hope for treatment abroad.

The Ministry called on all free minds and souls around the world to intervene immediately to relieve the suffering of such patients, by pressuring the Israeli occupation to reopen the crossings. Amidts this situation, the ministry also called on its staff workers to commit to working hours and not strike in compliance with 'political controversies.'

Recently, the Health Ministry of Ramallah, which belongs to Fatah party, called on Gaza's medical staff to strike. The Ramallah government, formed by President Abbas in July 2007 has urged the people to boycott the Hamas-run ministries.

gaza strip | palestinian politics | news report rami at imemc dot org