The Indonesian hospital is being constructed at the initiative of Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) and the Palestinian government."We plan to finish it by the end of 2013 or in early 2014," Faried Thalib, the chairman of the hospital`s cons
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The construction of Indonesian Hospital in North Gaza, Palestine, is expected to be fully completed in 2013, according to Faried Thalib, the chairman of the hospital`s construction team.

"We plan to finish it by the end of 2013 or in early 2014," he said at a press conference here on Monday.

The Indonesian hospital is being constructed at the initiative of Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) and the Palestinian government.

On November 14, an Israeli rocket landed approximately 100 metres away from the hospital, killing a Hamas leader.

"After the bombing, the MER-C volunteers - all Indonesian nationals - were instructed to take shelter at the hospital`s basement which is 50 percent ready," Faried said.

"The construction work is continuing despite difficulties in getting building materials after the escalation of tension in Gaza, which has been bombed by Israel over the past six days," he explained.

After the building is fully constructed, MER-C will send medical equipment and personnel to run the hospital together with Palestinian paramedics.

"However, the hospital is now fully closed and protected by the Indonesian volunteers in order to prevent anyone from using the premises to launch a rocket, which could trigger a retaliatory attack from Israel," Faried stated.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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