Morocco to send 30 medical specialists to Gaza

Palestinian Red Crescent official hails dispatch of Moroccan medics to Gaza

Source: Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP)

Date: 26 Jan 2009

El-Arish (Egypt), 26 Jan. 2009 (MAP) - Head of public relations at the Palestinian Red Crescent, May Arif, praised on Sunday king Mohammed VI’s decision to dispatch a medical delegation to Gaza to participate in treating the thousands of Palestinians injured during the Israeli aggression.

“The Palestinian people recall with pride Morocco’s solidarity towards the Palestinian people, particularly in times of hardship,” Arif told MAP, recalling that Morocco has also offered medical support to the victims of the Intifada in 2000 in Gaza.

Medical aid provided by Morocco to the Palestinian people, the dispatch of this medical delegation and the airlift established by the kingdom during the Israeli aggression “will undeniably contribute to alleviate the suffering of the grief-stricken Palestinian people,”said Arif.

She added that the medical delegation, made up of 30 specialists in intensive care, anesthesia, general surgery and orthopedic, is equipped with all medical and paramedical material needed for this humanitarian mission.

“Palestinian hospitals are in a dramatic situation following the Israeli aggression,” said Arif, adding that the Palestinian medical structures lack all means and need doctors, nurses, medical equipment and medicines.

“There are over 5,600 injured. Our hospitals are overwhelmed and the medical teams are unable to attend to all patients, that’s why we are in desperate need of this Moroccan aid,” she said, voicing confidence that Morocco will continue to support the Palestinian people.

The Moroccan medical delegation arrived Sunday morning in El-Arish onboard two military planes. This operation is part of Morocco’s sustained solidarity with and support to the Palestinian cause.

An airlift was established January 9-15 between Morocco and Egypt to dispatch aid to the population of Gaza, under instructions of king Mohammed VI, president of Al-Quds Committee.

The sovereign also gave his instructions to the government and the Central Bank (Bank Al-Maghrib) to open a special bank account to collect donations for the Palestinian people