Palestine: the assault on health and other war crimes

Editor—I write with regard to Summerfield's much debated article.¹ Many of the things that he cites, besides resonating with hatred, are presented in a complete vacuum, and we were surprised to see them published in a respectable medical journal despite the author's clear political agenda and the total lack of corroboration of any claim made.

Israel is required to defend its citizens daily from terrorist activity, an obligation that in no way contradicts the reality in which Israel, on a daily basis, provides medical care to Palestinians.

According to a report of the health coordinator of the civil administration for the West Bank, in the first half of 2004 alone, more than 200 Palestinian children received treatment in Israeli hospitals, and more than 19 000 patients were given permits to receive medical care in Israel. The civil administration also clarified 1000 delays of patients and medical personnel at roadblocks. These are only some examples, taken from the complete report, of the efforts made to ensure health services.

Not only was the care offered, 14 072 751 Israeli shekels (about $3 127 278) worth of debts of the Palestinian Authority to Israeli hospitals were offset.

The conclusion that can be drawn is that Summerfield's article is certainly a one sided view of the situation and totally disregards the context and history of the conflict.

With regard to Summerfield's obsessive and repeated attacks on the Israel Medical Association (IMA) and the World Medical Association (WMA): the IMA has been far from silent in the face of alleged health violations but rather has consistently forwarded such allegations to the army or the government to investigate and deal with. In more than one case, the allegations have proved untrue; in some cases, remedial action was taken; and in several cases, the army defended its actions.

We have met and continue to meet various Israeli, Palestinian, and international representatives to see how the situation might be improved. We have also trained medical officers in the ethical complexities of such a volatile situation, where their kindness and ethical stand might be abused. However, neither the IMA nor the WMA is willing to take a political stand on an issue, or to give credence to the half truths and untruths expressed by Summerfield.