Bulletin #86: Israel expands war on health from Gaza to Lebanon and Syria

People's Health Dispatch

11 Oct 2024 • 4 min read

This fortnight

For over a year, the United Nations has consistently reported the same scene: "Israeli bombardment from the air, land and sea continues to be reported across the Gaza Strip, resulting in further civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction of civilian infrastructure." Gaza’s health services—hospitals, ambulances, and clinics—have been ravaged, and thousands of health workers have been killed, tortured, or disappeared. Despite international campaigns to secure their release, Global North countries have allowed Israel to act with impunity, fueling further destruction in Lebanon and Syria, including attacks on their health systems.

There will come a time when Israel is held accountable for 76 years of occupation and the horrors unleashed since October 2023. Until then, international solidarity with health workers in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria remains essential in pressuring for justice.

While the current focus is on the unprecedented destruction in West Asia, another global health crisis is looming: mental health. Vijay Prashad’s recent article, originally published by Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, examines the importance of building mental health infrastructure globally and how reshaping communities can protect mental well-being.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, activists are concerned about the potential fallout from a new patent law that weakens protections against evergreening, jeopardizing access to affordable medicines and straining the national health insurance system.

In two new episodes of the Charter4Health podcast, guests Carmen Báez and Ana Vračar discuss the challenges and movements for health justice in Latin America and Europe.

In focus: Health in Palestine and Lebanon

One year of Israel’s war on Gaza’s health system

After a year of unrelenting Israeli attacks, Gaza’s healthcare system lies in ruins. Yet, health workers continue their steadfast efforts to provide care

Israel’s attacks on healthcare in Lebanon echo devastation in Gaza

As Israel broadens its invasion, health systems in both Gaza and Lebanon are under attack, facing mounting threats and destruction

Photo gallery: One year of the Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people

Podcast: Charter4Health

Hosting the 5th Peoples' Health Assembly

In this episode of Charter4Health, we explore the fifth People’s Health Assembly, held in Mar del Plata, Argentina in April 2024. Dr. Carmen Báez, co-convenor of the assembly and a longtime health activist, shares insights into the challenges of organizing this major global event

Struggles for health in Europe

In this episode of Charter4Health, we explore the fight for health rights in Europe, focusing on gender justice, press freedom, and health communication challenges. Our guest is Ana Vračar, regional coordinator of PHM Europe, who shares her experiences as a health journalist and advocate for workers' rights across the region