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<p>The UN assesses that although the current number of detected cases remains relatively
low in Gaza and the West Bank, the capacity of the Palestinian health system to cope
with an increase in COVID-19 cases is poor, including the low availability of PPE
and ventilators. The situation is particularly severe in Gaza, where the health system
has shortages in specialised staff, drugs and equipment.</p><p>The UK remains deeply
concerned about the restrictions on movement and access that affect Gaza. The restrictions
impact infrastructure development, the delivery of vital humanitarian services and
limit the professional development of health and humanitarian workers.</p><p>During
this global crisis, cooperation is vital. The cooperation between the Government of
Israel and the Palestinian Authority towards tackling COVID-19, as well as the important
part played by the United Nations, was a very welcomed response. The British Embassy
in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate-General in Jerusalem are in regular contact
with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities respectively. We encourage UN agencies,
the PA and the Israeli Government to work together to ensure that essential medical
supplies and staff are able to access Gaza.</p><p>DFID is providing £1.3 million (2018-21)
to support the UN’s Access Coordination Unit (ACU), which works to ensure humanitarian
access to Gaza for UN and NGO workers. The ACU has played an important role in facilitating
movement of humanitarian personnel and goods during the COVID-19 crisis.</p>
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