How bad is the healthcare situation in Gaza? MPs to hear evidence from the ground

• Watch Parliament TV: Humanitarian situation in Gaza
• International Development Committee

In February, the British Red Cross warned that Gaza was at risk of a “complete medical shutdown”, with only 17 of the city’s 36 main hospitals before the war still somewhat functioning.

MPs will hear from those with experience of working on the ground in Gaza, including Professor Nizam Mamode, a transplant surgery specialist. Professor Mamode recently spent time at Nasser hospital in Gaza, which was raided by Israeli forces in February.

Witnesses are likely to be asked about the availability of medical supplies and food in Gaza, and about the current state of healthcare facilities. MPs may explore the impact of the conflict on women, children and people with disabilities in particular.

In the last Parliament, the previous International Development Committee held several oral evidence sessions on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the Chair also exchanged a series of letters with the then Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron. The last of those letters is available online here.

At 2.00pm in the Grimond Room, Portcullis House:

From 14.00:

• Professor Nizam Mamode, professor of transplant surgery

From 14.30:

• Sam Rose, Senior Deputy Director for UNRWA Affairs in Gaza
• Rohan Talbot, Director of Advocacy and Campaigns, Medical Aid for Palestinians
• Emina Ćerimović, Associate Director, Disability Rights Division, Human Rights Watch
• Nebal Farsakh, spokesperson, Palestinian Red Crescent Society

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: UK Parliament / Tyler Allicock