Israel “deliberately obstructing” healthcare services for Palestinians

April 21, 2024 - 21:49

The Palestinian Health Ministry has accused Israel of “deliberately obstructing” healthcare services for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. “This policy constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and exacerbates the suffering of civilians,” it said.

Israeli forces killed 14 Palestinians during a raid in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, while an ambulance driver was killed as he went to pick up wounded from a separate attack by violent Jewish settlers, Palestinian authorities said, Reuters reported. 

Israeli forces began an extended raid in the early hours of Friday in the Nur Shams area, near the flashpoint Palestinian city of Tulkarm and were still exchanging fire with armed fighters well into Saturday.

Israeli military vehicles massed and bursts of gunfire were heard, while at least three drones were seen hovering above Nur Shams.

At least 485 Palestinians have been killed and 4,900 others wounded in attacks by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank since last October, according to Palestinian health officials.