The World Health Organization has announced that only a small number of hospitals in the Gaza Strip are still functioning after Israeli bombing.
St. Paul, Minn. — Healthcare workers rally at the state Capitol to ensure Minnesota’s health system supports the liberation of Palestine, supports hospitals and workers, and empowers employees to speak up. requested.
The World Health Organization said only some hospitals in the Gaza Strip were still functioning after Israeli bombings and that medical workers were among the casualties. Israeli military leaders say Hamas stores weapons and hosts operations in hospitals.
But Palestinian health workers say it is not difficult to ensure that Palestinians have access to health care and are urging employers to take action.
Organizers are calling on Minnesota’s health system to support the liberation of Palestine, support hospitals and employees, and empower employees to speak up.
Organizer Alicia Garbanda said: “For more than a year, we have been watching live streams of genocide that directly targeted hospitals, and we have been watching hospitals being blown up.”
Garbanda said several health systems in Minnesota are silencing conversations about Palestine.
The group claims that Ho Chi Minh City has prohibited Palestinian doctors from teaching further about Palestinian health.
Ho Chi Minh City called this a “false narrative” and said in a statement: “We regret the idea that treating certain people or sharing a certain message is the only effective way to maintain solidarity. I think so.” Activism comes in many forms, and we all have the ability to contribute in ways that align with our values. ”
“I think there’s a real sense of censorship and repression. I think a lot of health care workers are afraid to speak out,” said pediatrician Aarti Bhatt. “I don’t think it’s a political thing. I think people need access to health care to live healthy lives.”
Palestinian health workers also say a webinar by DEI clinical consultants at Prairie Care has been removed. The group said the webinar addressed Palestinian mental health and the needs of other BIPOC communities.
Prairie Care said in a statement that the presentation was in no way prohibited and that as a health care provider it “supports a peaceful end to suffering in the Middle East with compassion for all those affected.”
The Jewish Community Relations Council said it longs for peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors.
“This peace can only be achieved once Hamas, the genocidal terrorist regime in Gaza, surrenders and an estimated 100 hostages are returned,” the statement said.
Mariam, who asked that her last name not be used, is a nurse, student and Palestinian.
“Everything we’ve ever known, our friends, our families, everyone is being bombed and massacred,” Mariam said. “Palestinians don’t even have a chance to grieve it.”
Mariam said the oath taken by health workers is a violation of silence.
“What I’m asking them to do is to uphold the oath they took and stand up for the injustices that are happening in the world,” she said.
