Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 6 Apr. (Press Europa) –
Health with Palestine has called, for the second time, for a “more robust” statement from the Collegiate Medical Organisation (WTO) of Spain, along with the regional medical schools in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, regarding the “serious and ongoing violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention by Israel.
Rají Mohrez, a member of the Sanitari@S Assemblies Coordination Group, acknowledged the statement issued on November 17, 2023, by the Foundation for the International Cooperation of the WTO, which he described as “inadequate,” as it emerged at the onset of attacks on healthcare facilities. Since then, the United Nations has documented “over 600 attacks on medical facilities in Gaza.”
“The extent of devastation to the Gaza health system necessitates a second, more vigorous pronouncement from the WTO,” asserted this Palestinian healthcare professional based on the island of Fuerteventura, who notes that the Canary Islands medical colleges have yet to respond to this appeal from the association.
They confirm that this second correspondence was dispatched on February 21, 2025.
“At a local level, the community has rallied. However, the silence from the administration, the government, and even trade unions is concerning,” Mohrez highlighted to Europa Press, emphasising that the desired involvement is not materialising due to a social “anesthesia” faced by some regarding “the unimaginable” endured by others.
Rají’s Narrative
This Palestinian doctor, originally from Jerusalem, recalls his departure from his homeland. He grew up in a border region near Bethlehem but left at a young age for Latin America. Ultimately, in the 1960s, his studies brought him to Spain, where he currently resides and practises medicine.
Remembering his homeland as it once was, he reflects on the early 20th century when it flourished with industry and exported “soaps and citrus” to major European cities, including Paris, as well as to Portugal and Spain. “The day they (referring to Israel) occupied 56% of the territory, and subsequently 78%, they seized factories, banks, jobs, schools, and hospitals, displacing people.”
He recalls the “78 resolutions” of the United Nations Organisation, which called for the return of Palestinians to their homeland, pointing out that “Israel and the West have acted as they wished.” Thus, he underscores the significance of “political intention,” which is currently “non-existent” and could potentially “put a stop to the situation.”
Rají laments from afar that this latest crisis confronting his people, the Palestinian people, is “the worst” to date. While he acknowledges that the circumstances are “quite dire,” he strives to advocate for the rights of those on the ground.
The family he still has there informs him that all is “well,” but he knows this is not the case. He receives images of the situation unfolding. “One returns home at night, only to be told that come morning, you may not return there,” he recounts.
