Attacks on Gaza healthcare reshape protection of health in war; Trump’s return raises health policy fears
This fortnight at the People's Health Dispatch
Recent reports on the death of Palestinian surgeon Adnan Al-Bursh highlight the severe abuse faced by health workers in Israeli prisons and detention camps. The new information suggests Al-Bursh was tortured and sexually abused by Israeli forces, highlighting once again the urgent need for action to protect Gaza's health sector. Over the past year, Israeli attacks on hospitals, health centers, and ambulances have transformed the treatment of healthcare in war zones, with the siege on Al-Shifa Hospital marking a turning point, as noted by the Palestinian Youth Movement.
While governments in the Global North continue to ignore the genocide in Gaza, health workers and activists are demanding accountability. In Britain, opposition is growing against US-based surveillance firm Palantir’s involvement in NHS data management, warning of risks to patient privacy and public health. Activists are demanding an immediate break with Palantir, as well as other companies fueling Israeli violence.
In the US, Donald Trump’s reelection raises critical questions about the future of healthcare policy under his administration. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the government’s inaction on air quality control has led to record-high levels of pollution, posing significant threats to people’s lives.
In focus: Health in Palestine and Lebanon
Dr. Adnan Al-Bursh’s death by torture underscores brutal targeting of Palestinian health workers by Israel
New details have emerged in the case of the Palestinian surgeon who was tortured to death and sexually abused by Israeli forces. Meanwhile, the health situation in Gaza remains dire
Israeli attacks on Gaza’s hospitals redefine standards of healthcare protection in war
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza’s healthcare system have reshaped the understanding of wartime obligations to protect medical facilities, activists warn
How the siege of Al-Shifa was a turning point in Israel's war on Palestinian life
Source: Palestinian Youth Movement
Featured articles
“Much, much better and far less money:” a blueprint for health policy in the second Trump administration
On November 14, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was named Secretary of Health and Human Services in Donald Trump’s second administration, embodying many of the concerns health workers have about upcoming changes to US health policy
Campaigners in the UK say get Palantir out of the NHS
Health workers and activists ramp up their campaign to oppose surveillance company Palantir’s role in managing NHS data
Record levels of pollution endanger millions of lives in Pakistan
Left activists in the country blame the government’s reluctance to act against big polluters despite its impact on the most of the people who are risking their health to pursue their livelihoods
