Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of a reported increase in permit denials for medical staff of al Makassed Hospital who live in the West Bank and Gaza, what assessment they have made of the impact of those denials on patient treatment.

According to the World Health Organisation, permit denials for medical staff of Al Makassed hospital increased in 2016 with 21 reported permit denials compared to 10 permit denials in 2015. Permit delays and denials can lead to missed appointments and interrupted treatments. Movement of Palestinian medical staff from the West Bank and Gaza is essential for effective healthcare. HMG has consistently called on Israel to improve movement and access for Palestinians, including medical staff.