Health and Human Rights in Palestine: The Siege and Invasion of Gaza and the Role of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement

Abstract

The linkage between human rights and health rights has been well established and documented. A consensus position has emerged that insists on the inextricability between health promotion and the protection of human rights. Violations of basic health rights are now considered violations of human rights. Within the larger global context of human rights violations, the occupation and colonization of Palestine stand out as an egregious example of how the denial of health rights can lead to devastating consequences. This chapter will describe the current context of human rights violations in Palestine and the impact of these violations on health rights. Special emphasis will be afforded to the siege and invasion of Gaza and its aftermath.