World Health Organization (WHO)
73rd World Health Assembly (WHA)
Geneva, Switzerland
November 12, 2020
Health Conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan
Agenda Item 17
Regarding World Health Assembly Agenda item 17, titled Health Conditions in the Occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, the United States believes the current draft decision does not meet our shared objective of a World Health Assembly focused purely on public health, and that refrains from singling out countries on a political basis.
Rather, the draft decision before us perpetuates such politicization.
We are also disappointed that certain parties refused the opportunity to engage in a practical, sensible dialogue among those parties most involved and instead made clear again their preference for politicized speeches over productive discussions.
The United States cannot let this decision pass without objection. As it stands, this decision falls short in its attempt to improve the health of Palestinians, and does not help advance the cause of a lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
We are opposed to adoption of this resolution, and support Israel’s call for a vote.
