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palestinian territories People living in the Palestinian Territories continue to be confronted with violence including inter-Palestinian clashes, incursions and destruction of homes by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and targeted assassinations of known or suspected armed group leaders. Pressure on the population caused by the ongoing occupation of the West Bank continues with increased checkpoints, settlements and permit requirements that severely limit movement. A financial embargo imposed by international donors in response to the election of Hamas in January 2006 worsened an already precarious situation, resulting in critical shortages of drugs and medical materials and increasing disorganisation in Palestinian health services. In July 2006, MSF set up a temporary emergency medical project in Hebron, providing monthly donations to Alia District Hospital and starting a clinic in Hebron City for patients suffering from severe chronic illnesses. We also set up mobile clinics to offer ante-natal care services. Both clinics functioned until the beginning of 2007. In Hebron, Nablus and Gaza, MSF continues to provide comprehensive medical, psychological and social support to Palestinians. Psychologists work with patients suffering from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological syndromes, providing short-term therapy for individuals, families and groups. MSF had to temporarily interrupt its activities several times in Nablus and Gaza in 2006 and 2007. In May 2007, international staff were evacuated from the Gaza strip because of factional clashes and the subsequent armed takeover of the area by Hamas in June. MSF continued to function intermittently through a flexible programme, including home consultations by national staff. MSF has worked in the Palestinian Territories since 1988.
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