The deterioration of the healthcare situation in Gaza is completely unacceptable: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
President, we are all horrified by the deterioration of the healthcare situation in Gaza.
It is completely unacceptable that since 7 October many medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged and over 1000 medical personnel have been killed, injured or detained. And, as Dr. Hassan has reminded us, their SOS calls have been ignored.
Following the forcible evacuation of Kamal Adwan hospital, there are now no functioning hospitals in North Gaza Governorate. Deteriorating access to medical services across Gaza is compounding acute child malnutrition, the risk of imminent famine and the spread of infectious diseases.
As we face this devastating situation, the UK reiterates three key and fundamental demands.
First, we call for civilians and medical staff to be protected in line with international humanitarian law. Israel is responsible for ensuring that civilians have access to vital medical care and for enabling medical practitioners to operate safely.
The UK continues to urge Israel to abide by their international obligations, including those set out in Security Council resolution 2286. And we also call on Israel to clarify the whereabouts of medical staff detained from hospitals in the north.
We are aware of reports of Hamas using civilian infrastructure for their operations, including hospitals.
The UK strongly condemns any such actions. By embedding themselves in civilian infrastructure, Hamas clearly put Palestinian civilians and medical staff at risk.
We reiterate however, that obligations under IHL to protect hospitals and healthcare workers are unconditional.
President, second, UNRWA must be allowed to play its essential role, including in delivering medical services and we unequivocally reject attempts to undermine its mandate.
On 11 December, my Prime Minister committed an additional $16.5 million to UNRWA to support vital services, including for medical care.
The UK is also supporting the provision of essential healthcare including through funding to UK-Med to run a field hospital and provide other healthcare services in Gaza.
President, third, Israel must do much more to immediately address this crisis and both sides must finally end this war.
The UK will keep pushing for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages cruelly detained by Hamas, for the better protection of civilians, for more aid consistently entering Gaza, and for a path to long-term peace and stability.