| A Christmas message from Aimee Shalan |
| Dear friend,
This year has been yet another difficult and tragic one for Palestinians. The shocking use of force by Israeli forces against demonstrators in Gaza has killed scores and injured thousands, many with horrific limb injuries. Demolitions continue to be a day-to-day reality for many Palestinians in the West Bank. Not only have individual homes and buildings such as schools been demolished, but entire villages like Khan al Ahmar have been threatened with demolition and forcible transfer. We have also witnessed a dangerous politicisation of humanitarian aid, with the US administration cutting all funding to UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for humanitarian support to Palestinian refugees. These cuts greatly threaten Palestinian refugees’ access to healthcare, education and emergency food assistance. |
Amid such bleak circumstances, I am incredibly proud of all that MAP has achieved and want to thank our supporters for their generosity and kind support – facilitating our essential and lifesaving work.
This year alone, we have spent more than £1 million on limb reconstruction supplies to help save limbs and lives in Gaza. In the West Bank, we purchased a brand new mobile health clinic, so we can continue to bring doctors, nurses and community health workers to vulnerable Bedouin communities. And in Lebanon, the dedication and hard work of our community midwives has helped to enhance the care offered to pregnant Palestinian women and their new-born babies.
These are just a few examples of the scope and diversity of our programmes, ranging from emergency assistance to programmes building the long-term capacity of Palestine’s health system. All made possible thanks to the support and generosity of people like you.
As we look to 2019, there will be more challenges ahead. There is serious concern that the “Peace Plan” from the US administration could further endanger the rights of Palestinians living as refugees and under occupation. Bedouin communities will need all the more support and some 1,500 patients in Gaza will need up to two years of painful limb reconstruction treatment from a health system which the WHO has long-warned is “on the brink of collapse”.
Together we are improving the health and dignity of Palestinians and will continue to do so, despite all the pressures. Thank you for your kindness.
My very best wishes for Christmas, with the hope of a brighter year in 2019.
Aimee Shalan
Chief Executive, Medical Aid for Palestinians