People's Health Dispatch: Medics executed in Gaza as Israel intensifies attacks

/ 7 April 2025 / 0 Comments

This fortnight at the People's Health Dispatch

As the Israeli occupation intensifies its assault on the Gaza Strip, healthcare is once again under direct attack. Since Israeli forces broke the fragile temporary ceasefire, dozens of health workers have been killed – some executed with their hands tied. Those imprisoned prior to the ceasefire remain in extreme danger, as seen in the case of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, whose detention has been extended by at least six months.

In Ecuador, the country is struggling with the effects of its worst oil spill in years, which has left entire communities without access to clean water and caused severe damage to local ecosystems. Meanwhile, in the European Union, national governments are preparing to pour billions into armaments and so-called defense, while continuing to underfund critical health strategies, including public and local pharmaceutical production.

In France, lawmakers have taken a major step toward addressing the issue of medical deserts by backing regulations that would control where physicians can establish practices, aiming to ensure more equitable distribution of healthcare staff in underserved regions. The measure gained cross-party support, though it was opposed by the far-right and some from the liberal Macronist bloc.