77 healthcare workers injured in occupied Palestinian territory in first 7 months of 2023: UN

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - At least 77 healthcare workers were injured, and 30 ambulances got damaged in occupied Palestinian territories in the first seven months of 2023, a UN official said on Saturday.

In a statement marking World Humanitarian Day, Lynn Hastings, humanitarian coordinator for occupied Palestinian territory, said thousands of "first responders" are involved in the effort to try and help about 2.1 million Palestinians who need humanitarian assistance.

She said humanitarians are working to assist the most vulnerable Palestinians and their commitment to helping others in times of crisis is "unwavering."

"Medical teams venture into dangerous areas amid gunfire and bombing to treat the injured; in the first seven months of 2023, upwards of 70 health care workers were injured, and 30 ambulances damaged," she said.

On Aug. 19, 2003, a bombing in Baghdad, Iraq claimed the lives of 22 humanitarian aid personnel, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution designating Aug. 19 as World Humanitarian Day.