A delegation of five professionals from Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)-Israel, visited Gaza Community Montreal Health Programme (GCMHP) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) from September 1-2 September 2006. The delegation met with representative from GCMHP and MOH over the two days visit. The aim of the visit was to meet with Palestinian partners working in the area of health and human rights as well as to have a first hand look at the Israeli violations that are impacting the health situation in the Gaza Strip. The delegation's visit was also aimed at investigating the use of illegal toxic weapons against Palestinians, particularly in the last two month as part of operation "Summer Rains"

The delegation was accompanied by GCMHP professionals to Kamal Edwan hospital in northern Gaza Strip where they met with the hospital Director and teams of the hospital and visited different sections of the hospital. In addition, the delegation visited Shifa hospital and met with Dr. Jumaa Saqa, Director of Public Relations, of the hospital and a number of representatives from the MOH. The delegation was acquainted with the difficulties and challenges the medical teams confront in light of the sanctions imposed on Palestinian Territories, particularly the shortage in medicine and medical equipments.

During the visit, many of the cases that were exposed - to what is believed to be non-traditional toxic weapons - were presented to the PHR visitors. Tissues of dead bodies and samples of missiles shrapnel were also given to the delegation for further invitation by their medical experts.

The PHR delegation has also visited MOH's medicine warehouses and storage, where they met with Dr. Zead Shaeth, and Dr. Mohamad Zemeley, who briefed them about the problems that the MOH suffer from as a result of shortage in basic medicine and inability to receive medical supplies regularly due to restrictions and hindrance at border crossings.

The delegation was accompanied to a field tour to Shjaeya neighborhood in Eastern Gaza city which was exposed to a recent major invasion. The visitors had a first hand look at the scale of destruction by the Israeli army and magnitude of people's suffering. The tour included a visit to the destroyed power station and bridges.

A number of PHR partner organizations, working in health and human rights have met with the delegation, among which were Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, Palestinian Center for Human Rights, WHO, Union of Health Relief Committees, OCHA, and Ard-El-Ensan Society.

In another respect, the delegation met with the Palestinian Minister of Health, Dr. Basem Naeem, with attendance of MOH Directors and GCMHP representatives. During the meeting, Dr. Naeem gave an explanation about the current political and economical problems and its repercussions on the health situation in Palestine, especially the strict sanctions and closure of the Gaza Strip. Dr. Naem expressed his condemnation of the inhumane practices done by Israeli occupation against Palestinian civilians, particularly the usage of toxic weapons and targeting medical teams as well as hindering accessibility of medical supplies. Dr. Naeem has also stressed the danger ramifications of the strict sanctions and seizure of PA money on health condition in the OPT.

The Minister also stressed the fact the these health repercussions will not be limited to Palestinian only , but will go beyond to affect Israel and the region at large, particularly, if infectious diseases prevailed. Moreover, Dr. Naeem talked extensively about preventing patients from traveling abroad to receive medical treatment and its impact on the deterioration of their health conditions as well as increasing the risk of death among them.

On the other hand, the PHR delegation talked about their services in the OPT including protecting the right of movement for patients and free accessibility of medicine and other medical supplies. The delegation has expressed its concerns over the deteriorating health and humanitarian conditions after the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. They showed willingness to strengthen cooperation with Palestinian MOH and other civil society organizations in order to facilitate movement of patients and medical supplies to the OPT and the enjoyment of Palestinian right to health. They also expressed their immediate readiness to conduct training for Palestinian medical staff either in Israel or in Palestine. At the end of the meeting, PHR delegation promised to convey the message of Palestinians and the Minister of Health through what they have witnessed to the Israeli public and professional community, including the media.

The delegation concluded their visit with a press conference at Ramattan News Agency where they talked to the media about the aims of their visit and the activities they have carried out including the meetings and field tours. The also talked about the Israeli violations of human rights and the health conditions in the Gaza Strip as they have witnessed first hand.