Medical Crisis in Gaza. Blockade of EU assistance on medical aid: Evacuation or on-site treatment?

2026-02-04T11:00:00+00:00

2026-02-04T13:00:00+00:00

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Jan-Peter WARNKERoom ASP 5E2, European ParliamentBrussels BelgiumMEP EVENTMedical Crisis in Gaza. Blockade of EU assistance on medical aid: Evacuation or on-site treatment?📅 Date:Wednesday, 4 February 2026🕐 Time:12:00-14:00📍 Location:Room ASP 5E2, European ParliamentHosted byJan-Peter WARNKEGermany MEPMember of the European Parliament Non-Inscrits Bündnis Sahra WagenknechtEMPL ECON DSEE DSAS About this eventThe humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza strip is one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. The care of the injured is hardly possible due to the restrictions placed by the Israeli army.This event will focus on practical and policy options for ensuring timely medical assistance to casualties inside Gaza, including the feasibility, constraints, and implications of medical evacuation versus on-site treatment, and what the EU can realistically do to support life-saving pathways and the EU's role in this situation.With high-profile speakers providing not only on-site testimonies, but engaging in a discussion for policy shift.Programme12:00Welcome and IntroductionProf. Dr. Jan-Peter WarnkeFollowingPanel Discussion and Q&ADr. Raed Arafat, State Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, RomaniaMaria Zuber, Head of Unit „Emergency response operations" (ECHO A.1), DG ECHOBéatrice Miege, Deputy Head of Unit "Middle East and North Africa" (ECHO C.2), DG ECHODr. Graeme Groom, King's College Hospital, London, and founder of IDEALS charityDr. Belal Azaam, Al Khalidil Hospital, Amman, JordanSpeakersSpecial guestDr. Raed ARAFATState SecretaryMinistry of Interior, Romania iDr. Raed ARAFATDr. Raed Arafat is State Secretary and Head of the Department for Emergency Situations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Romania. He has extensive experience in emergency management and disaster medicine, coordinating national emergency response services.×Maria ZUBERHead of UnitEmergency response operations (ECHO A.1), DG ECHO iMaria ZUBERMaria Zuber has worked in the European Commission since 2007 dealing with various portfolios concerning human rights, migration, security, humanitarian aid, civil protection and international trade. She led on the EU's conclusion of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, negotiated mobility chapters of the EU free trade agreements and coordinated relations of the Commission with the Council of the EU on home affairs. Having led a team responsible for a legislative reform of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and served as a deputy Head of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), she is currently a Head of Unit responsible for Security and Situational Awareness in DG ECHO. She holds a Master degree in international relations from Warsaw University and a postgraduate diploma in laws issued by the University College London.×Béatrice MIEGEDeputy Head of UnitMiddle East and North Africa (ECHO C.2), DG ECHOiBéatrice MIEGEBéatrice Miege is Deputy Head of Unit for Middle East and North Africa (ECHO C.2) at the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). She manages humanitarian assistance programs in the Middle East and North Africa region.×Dr. Graeme GROOMConsultant Trauma SurgeonKing's College Hospital / Founder, IDEALS charity iDr. Graeme GROOMDr. Graeme Groom is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at King's College Hospital and founder of IDEALS (International Disaster and Emergency Aid with Long-term support) charity. He has worked extensively in Gaza providing trauma surgery and training to local healthcare professionals.×Dr. Belal AZAAMPediatric SurgeonAl Khalidil Hospital, Amman, JordaniDr. Belal AZAAMDr. Belal Azaam is a pediatric and laparoscopic surgeon at Al Khalidil Hospital in Amman, Jordan. He is certified with the Jordanian Board in general surgery and pediatric surgery, and specializes in pediatric urology and laparoscopic surgery.×Important – This event is by invitation, and only registered participants will be admitted. Due to capacity constraints, all attendees must register, including those already holding a European Parliament access badge.

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