The World Health Organization has warned of a worsening health crisis in the West Bank, where strict restrictions, violence and attacks on medical facilities complicate access to care.

The organization called in a statement for “immediate and effective protection of civilians and the health system in the West Bank.”

The organization expressed its regret that the influx of infected people increases the burden of “emergency care in health institutions already suffering from pressure” and can only operate at 70% of their capacity due to lack of funds.

According to the World Health Organization, access to health care is also complicated in the West Bank due to the closure of crossing points between Israel and the West Bank, the lack of security and the closure of entire villages.

The organization said that the serious financial crisis, exacerbated by Israel’s withholding of an increasing share of the taxes it collects from the Palestinians since October 7, has led to “health workers receiving only half of their salaries for nearly a year,” while “45% of essential medicines have run out.” Inventory".

Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 521 Palestinians, including 126 children, have been killed, and more than 5,200, including 800 children, have been injured in acts of violence in the West Bank, according to the World Health Organization.

The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, for its part, estimates that at least 545 people have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October 7.