חומר רקע

: ועדת החברה והכלכלה של האו"ם מתוך 59 -ו 58 סעיפים "58.The Committee is concerned about the very limited availability of health-care services and the deteriorating quality of such services in the Gaza Strip due to restrictions on dual- use items, including essential medical equipment and supplies, and the escalation of hostilities, which have forced residents to seek medical treatment in the West Bank or in Israel. It is also concerned about the lengthy and complicated exit-permit system, which has impeded the ability of residents of the Gaza Strip to access medically recommended treatment that is not available in Gaza in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in Israel and abroad. Furthermore, it is concerned that in recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of requests for permits that have been refused or delayed, with devastating consequences, including the death of patients waiting for permits and the carrying out of critical medical procedures on children without their parents at their side (art. 10 and 12). 59. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Facilitate the entry of essential medical equipment and supplies and the movement of medical professionals from and to Gaza; (b) Review the medical exit-permit system with a view to making it easier for residents of Gaza to access, in a timely manner, all medically recommended health-care services; (c) Ensure that all children referred for medical treatment outside Gaza can be accompanied by at least one parent.”