Stephen has written to the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, asking him what the Government is doing to protect healthcare workers in Palestine.
A number of constituents have been in touch with Stephen recently, drawing his attention to statistics released by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS). This report details 149 violations to their medical teams in the last 5 months, a 255% increase in comparison to this period last year. The PRCS now deem their staff to be at such risk, they are now provided with bullet proof vests and helmets.
The PRCS also reported on wider dangers facing the Palestinian community, such as labelling this the ‘deadliest’ year in the West Bank since 2005. According to the United Nations, Israeli forces have killed more Palestinians in 2022 since the systematic recordings of fatalities began in 2005.
Having sent the letter, Stephen said “I am troubled by the recent violence in the West Bank and the threat to the lives of healthcare workers in Palestine. The health system in Gaza has long been overburdened and attacks on these workers will only serve to make the matter worse.
“The Government needs to do more to end the current cycle of violence, and ensure a peaceful future for all Israelis and Palestinians.”