The Israeli rights group Gisha-Maslak confirmed in a statement that the entry of COVID-19 vaccines “must not” be conditional. The announcement came after some media reports said that Israel links the entry of vaccines into the Gaza strip with the release of an Israeli soldier.

“The health and human rights of the Palestinian population, including access to medicine, medical treatment, and vaccines, must not, under any circumstances, be made conditional on the outcome of negotiations or political maneuvering of any kind,” said Gisha-Maslak.

The rights group added that “Over the course of 2021, people and communities across the world hope that restrictions on travel and commerce are removed, so that life can return to normal. Gisha calls on Israel to fulfill its duty to protect the health and safety of Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory.”  

Moreover, it underscored that “only an end to the occupation can ensure full protection of rights.”

It urged Israel that it must ensure that the coronavirus vaccine is available and distributed swiftly, and, where necessary, contributing to covering the costs of the vaccine and its distribution.

The rights group also asserted that Israel must lift “the closure on the Gaza Strip to enable the proper functioning of its economy and healthcare system in face of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as meeting its obligation to the civilian population of the strip as a whole.”

Gisha-Maslak pressed for Israel to work “in close cooperation with all relevant actors, Palestinian and international, for the safety and well-being of all residents of the region.”

It affirmed that the involvement of the Palestinian Authority and international parties in affording the vaccine “does not absolve Israel from its ultimate responsibility toward Palestinians living under occupation.”