Israel siezes oxygen machines

Seven oxygen machines donated to the Palestinian Authority by a Norwegian development agency were seized by Israeli officials, Ma’an news agency said on June 25. The Ramallah-based PA health ministry said the machines were en route to hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank.

The ministry said in a June 24 statement that Israeli officials confiscated the machines, claiming the generators attached “came under the category of possible use for non-medical purposes” if they were delivered to Gaza.

However, only one of the seven generators seized was bound for Gaza. The statement said: “All were badly needed for medical treatment.

“Any delay in obtaining the medical equipment will negatively affect the health of patients.”

From GLW issue 843