Emergency Relief
Unfortunately, the prospect of conflict and emergency needs are ever-present in Palestine. Emergency medical personnel in Palestine face particularly trying conditions. Military occupation and closure prevent medics from reaching patients in need, and they are not afforded universal protections in times of conflict like medics elsewhere. Medical personnel and facilities are sometimes targeted in military strikes. During Israel’s 22-day offensive in early 2009, 16 Palestinian medical personnel were killed by Israeli fire and 25 were wounded while performing their duties.
UPA is able to throw a lifeline to our Palestinian partners whenever it is needed. Emergency aid from UPA has enabled our partners like the Palestinian Medical Relief Services (PMRS) in Gaza to purchase a mobile clinic and supplies as soon as an Israeli airstrike targeted their clinic in 2008.
Emergency funds for food, water, and plastic sheeting for blown-out windows were made available within days of the onset of Operation Cast Lead in late 2008 and early 2009. Programs are not only geared at providing rapid-response facilities, such as mobile medical clinics, but at protecting medical professionals as they respond. UPA works with grassroots organizations in crisis situations, ensuring that the needs of individuals and small communities are met in the most efficient way.