As tensions rise with Israel, PA halts medical transfers
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah decided to halt the transfer of patients from the West Bank to Israeli hospitals — an expense the PA covers — after Israel slashed the PA's budget amid rising tensions.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah announced on March 26 the halting of medical transfers to Israeli hospitals and vowed to find alternatives for Palestinian patients in private and government hospitals.
The Ministry of Health's decision comes as part of escalatory steps being taken to protest Israeli measures. The boycott between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israel worsened after the PA refused Feb. 27 to accept the tax revenues that Israel collects on its behalf to protest Israel’s Feb. 17 decision to slash 502 million shekels ($138 million) yearly in PA tax revenues, which is the amount the PA paid out in 2018 in stipends to detainees, those injured in attacks or violence, or families of those killed.
