American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)

Washington, DC | www.adc.org | March 30, 2020 - The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) would like to extend our support and appreciation to the Senators who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo a letter on March 26, 2020 requesting that COVID-19 relief be sent to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

ADC believes in and advocates for the rights of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. We would like to add our voice to that of the Senators’ and urge the Trump Administration to send aid to the Palestinian people during this pandemic. ADC believes healthcare is a human rights issue and that medical assistance to vulnerable populations should not be politicized. 

There are currently at least 116 confirmed coronavirus cases in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, more than double the number of cases when the Senators sent their letter to Mr. Pompeo. The medical situation in parts of Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip has been dire, where there are currently only 70 intensive care hospital beds and a total of 65 ventilators, not all of which are available. COVID-19 medical relief will be imperative in the Palestinian peoples’ efforts to fight against this global pandemic alongside all other affected Peoples. 

ADC reiterates its support and appreciation for this request and hopes that it results in the release of COVID-19 medical assistance to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.