UN REPORTS SHORTAGE OF ANAESTHETICS IN OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

UN REPORTS SHORTAGE OF ANAESTHETICS IN OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
New York, Oct 22 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1080">OCHA) today voiced concern about reports from the Gaza Strip that a shortage of anaesthetics, caused by Israeli import restrictions, has resulted in the closure of surgery rooms and health-care centres.

"The economic noose continues to tighten around the necks of the people of Gaza, who are being manifestly punished as part of a political strategy," said Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes.

OCHA is also concerned about the inability of people with emergency health conditions to leave the Gaza Strip to obtain medical care elsewhere, a UN spokesperson said in New York.

The closures and restrictions have resulted in increasing shortages of many basic food items and supplies in Gaza, according to OCHA.
2007-10-22 00:00:00.000

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