Health Workers and Patients Arrested in Ramallah


30/06/02

Overnight, the Israeli army has detained more than 1,000 Palestinian boys and men ages 15 - 50 in Ramallah and the Amari refugee camp. These detainees are currently being held in the football yard at Al-Bireh school.

This morning at approximately 8:00, Israeli forces arrested UPMRC medic Muhammad Sharif as he was transporting a patient to hospital. The patient, Mr. Elias Khoury, who is in need of catheterization for a heart condition, was also arrested. In addition, Israeli forces have arrested 20 other medical personnel from Ramallah Hospital.

Detaining medical staff who are engaged in humanitarian work is a direct violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and UPMRC calls upon all international agencies, NGO's and governments for immediate actions to pressure the Israeli government to cease these actions. Furthermore, there is no justification for detaining patients and preventing them from accessing necessary health services. Mr. Khoury's life was in danger, though after UPMRC's intervention on his behalf, the Israeli forces released him. However, the medical personnel are still being detained.

For more information, please contact Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi at:
Medical Relief - 00972-59-254-218
or consult our new website: www.upmrc.org