The Permanent Mission of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations in Geneva expressed its deep concern over the continued deterioration of health and humanitarian conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan. This crisis stems from the ongoing occupation, repressive measures, and systematic violations against civilians, including forced displacement and the destruction of health infrastructure—clear breaches of international humanitarian law and relevant conventions.

The statement was delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative and Counselor Abdullah Al-Khabbazi before the committee addressing the health situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan, as part of Agenda Item 20 at the 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Al-Khabbazi highlighted WHO reports detailing the severe challenges facing the Palestinian health system under blockade, including restrictions on the movement of patients and medical personnel. He condemned repeated attacks on health facilities and ambulances, which have deprived thousands of Palestinian civilians of their fundamental right to healthcare and unimpeded access to medical services.

Al-Khabbazi also expressed Kuwait’s strong condemnation of the unprecedented escalation in the Gaza Strip, which has led to severe humanitarian and health crises, including mass casualties, disease outbreaks, acute shortages of medicines and supplies, and the near-total collapse of the healthcare system—exacerbated by occupation forces’ restrictions on humanitarian aid.

He stressed the urgent need to enable WHO to carry out its mandate fully and without obstruction in the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan, while calling for technical and financial support to meet the growing health needs in these areas.

Reaffirming Kuwait’s unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people—including their right to comprehensive and safe healthcare—Al-Khabbazi urged the international community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations to protect civilians and halt violations threatening their lives, health, and dignity.

He reiterated Kuwait’s firm stance in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The committee approved a resolution submitted by the Arab Group concerning the health situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan. The resolution calls for:

• Lifting the blockade on Gaza

• Ensuring the entry of health and humanitarian aid

• Guaranteeing freedom of movement for patients

• Urging WHO to take immediate and effective measures to strengthen the Palestinian health system and protect medical facilities and personnel.

The World Health Assembly is expected to adopt the resolution on the health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Golan during its plenary session at the ongoing 78th WHA, which runs until May 27.