The Palestinian Medical Relief Society

Ramallah, 15 March 2020

Press release : Arrest and release of Medical Relief volunteers in Jerusalem

Palestinian Medical Relief Society, expresses its relief at the release of youth volunteers Bashir Nasser, Malak Obaid and Ahmad Al Jabari who were arrested yesterday as they were distributing PMRS health education posters and brochures about prevention methods against the Covid-19 virus in the Old City of Jerusalem. PMRS also offers its support to volunteer Nasser Jamjoum who was summoned for questioning today at the Al Qasleh police station. PMRS vehemently protests the arrests and the summons as the volunteers were not acting in violation of any security or public safety rule.

The organization deplores the decision of Israeli authorities to ban Mr. Jamjoum and the three mentioned volunteers from setting foot in the Old City for 14 days when they were only trying to accomplish their civic duty and do their part to spread awareness and safe practices in the face of the Coronavirus epidemic.

PMRS reiterates its calls on the international community to protect the Palestinian identity of Jerusalem, which includes the possibility for Palestinian organizations in the city to conduct their activities in support of the humanitarian and health needs of the local community.