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Israel's separation barrier makes it difficult for Palestinians living in the West Bank to obtain proper health care, according to a new report from the United Nations.
The report, prepared by the Office of the Co-ordinator for Humanitarian Affairs, found that thousands of Palestinians have limited access to East Jerusalem hospitals because of the barrier.
Ambulances are routinely delayed at checkpoints, and Palestinian vehicles are not allowed to pass through barrier checkpoints, forcing sick or elderly patients to walk.
Some Palestinians living in the West Bank cannot obtain permits to receive medical care in East Jerusalem - or they receive permits for shorter durations of time than the treatment requires.
"Males aged between 15 and 30 often have their requests for permits turned down on the grounds of security," the UN wrote.
"In many cases, it is also difficult for parents of sick children or for family members to obtain permits to escort patients to Jerusalem."
Israel's civil administration told Al Jazeera that 84 per cent of Palestinians who apply are granted permits to access hospitals or other medical facilities.
Verdict anniversary
Friday is the sixth anniversary of an International Court of Justice ruling that declared the security barrier illegal. The court called on Israel to dismantle the barrier and to compensate Palestinians affected by its construction.
Israel ignored the ruling, and construction continues: 61 per cent of the 707km barrier has now been built, according to the United Nations.
The ultimate Israeli wall debate thread.
The report, prepared by the Office of the Co-ordinator for Humanitarian Affairs, found that thousands of Palestinians have limited access to East Jerusalem hospitals because of the barrier.
Ambulances are routinely delayed at checkpoints, and Palestinian vehicles are not allowed to pass through barrier checkpoints, forcing sick or elderly patients to walk.
Some Palestinians living in the West Bank cannot obtain permits to receive medical care in East Jerusalem - or they receive permits for shorter durations of time than the treatment requires.
"Males aged between 15 and 30 often have their requests for permits turned down on the grounds of security," the UN wrote.
"In many cases, it is also difficult for parents of sick children or for family members to obtain permits to escort patients to Jerusalem."
Israel's civil administration told Al Jazeera that 84 per cent of Palestinians who apply are granted permits to access hospitals or other medical facilities.
Verdict anniversary
Friday is the sixth anniversary of an International Court of Justice ruling that declared the security barrier illegal. The court called on Israel to dismantle the barrier and to compensate Palestinians affected by its construction.
Israel ignored the ruling, and construction continues: 61 per cent of the 707km barrier has now been built, according to the United Nations.
The ultimate Israeli wall debate thread.
