08/04/2026 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
Statement by Joseph O’Reilly (Ireland, EPP/CD), PACE General Rapporteur on the situation of women and children in the Palestinian territories:
“As the situation in many parts of the Middle East places more and more civilians, particularly women and children, in an extremely vulnerable situation, I wish to recall the absolute need to ensure that social and medical care staff are protected and able to carry out their vital work of saving human lives.
From this perspective, I can only denounce the appalling situation endured by the illegally detained healthcare workers in Gaza. Since October 2023, over 400 healthcare workers have been detained by the Israeli authorities, and around 100 of them remain in prison. Many have faced torture, humiliation, severe malnutrition, and some have even lost their lives under captivity.
Alarmingly, 85% of these detainees have never been charged or tried. International Committee of the Red Cross access to prisoners has been blocked, which represents a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Recent evidence has also emerged of shocking abuse, including sexual violence and torture.
Medical workers are essential to all societies, for the health of women and children – and their protection is non-negotiable. Recalling the Assembly’s January 2025 resolution on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, I urge Israel to immediately release the unlawfully detained healthcare workers and restore Red Cross access, and to conduct independent investigations. We must refuse to support, politically or financially, any system that accepts the abuse and death of those dedicated to saving lives.”