Israel cause of Palestinian health woes

Tel Aviv’s policies toward the Palestinian people have caused health problems for the residents of the besieged Gaza Strip, says the head of a group of Israeli medics.

Ruchama Marton, head of Physicians for Human Rights Israel, said in a statement on Monday that the causes of health issues were often political in nature.

“As a human rights organization we are, by definition, political, speaking out against violations of human rights perpetrated by the regime,” Marton was quoted as saying by AFP.

She added that the people of Gaza are suffering from disease outbreaks like diarrhea because Israel denies them access to adequate water supplies.

Tel Aviv has imposed a stringent blockade on the coastal enclave since 2007, severely hampering the upkeep of basic infrastructure.

The sewage system has been particularly hard-hit, as Israel does not allow the import of any pipes or other metal equipment.