The intensive cares units at Rantissi Children's Hospital,try telling doctors here there's no humanitarian crisis in Gaza.They say Israel's blockade has kept spare parts out of Gaza for ventilator machines with lethal consequences for two children this week.
"We couldn't treat him because they need many treatment(s) for them,these machines or these mechanical ventilator too support his respiratory system for him.But we can't do this because this machine is damaged,three machines damaged in our ICU.""How many patients do you think may have died because of that?""Uh,I saw two patients at least in the last week,two patients.""Have died because they couldn't go on this machine?""Yes,because of these machines are broken machines."Downstairs the lab looks high-tech but doctor said shortages of chemicals means vital leukemia blood test can't be done.Nearby in Shifa Hospital there's a similar story."This is for blood gas analysis.It's not working for more than four years."Doctors say they're coping,but the blockade endangers lives.All these despite claims by Israel that all the aid Gaza needs is getting in.
"There are no restrictions whatsoever in supplying medicines to the people of Gaza.If there are shortages of particular items I wanna hear about them.And my government will act to facilitate the transfer of medicines that are needed."In Bayt Lahiya in northern Gaza,some families are still living in tents a year and a half after Israel destroyed their homes in operation Cast Lead,because Israel won't allow enough cementing.
"It's so difficult living like this,Alfar Jihad told me,the weather is too hot so we can't cope with it,but there's nothing we can do."Israel's under pressure like never before to ease its blockade of Gaza.It is to allow more snack foods in,Coca cola,biscuits and crisps but cements to rebuild these homes and spare parts for electrical appliances will remain severely restricted.
Israel's policy on Gaza must now change says Middle East Quartet Envoy Tony Blair. "We need now to come to a definitive position that allows us to see very clearly you know Gaza is in a different situation because of the Hamas takeover,but nonetheless for people in Gaza they should have access to the normal things of normal life."Israel says 150 trucks of aid enter the streets every day.The UN says five times as much is needed. |