Arab health ministers or their representatives on Tuesday called for the swift creation of a medical and health program for residents in Gaza, in efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis facing them.

A statement issued at an emergency meeting of Arab health minister here said it was imperative that the international community, particularly Arab states, take swift measures to receive and treat people wounded in the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.

The statement called for the setting up of more field hospitals in the Gaza Strip and for efforts to guarantee the transport and distribution of medical aid.

It in particular called for providing humanitarian protection for children and women.

Arab states and international and regional organizations should strengthen cooperation in working out a unified medical and health program for Gaza residents, it said.

An Arab health committee composed of representatives from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Palestine was set up, charged with the creation of a medical rescue foundation and the setting up of a mechanism for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

The statement also urged the Arab League Economic Summit slated for next Monday in Kuwait to pay close attention the situation in Gaza and come up with specific measures to increase aid for the Palestinians.

(Xinhua News Agency January 15, 2009)