Bkeirat, W. (2026). The Rozana Programs: Health diplomacy in the Middle East. In Psychosomatic Medicine (pp. 527–534). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-11824-0_40
Abstract:
Since 2013, Project Rozana has developed a model of health diplomacy that connects Palestinian and Israeli healthcare professionals and institutions to improve access to healthcare, strengthen professional capacities, and foster mutual understanding in a protracted conflict setting. Major barriers to joint activities included restrictions on physical access and social concerns about engagement, alongside mutual mistrust. Despite severe disruptions following the Israel–Hamas war beginning on October 7, 2023, Rozana’s programming not only continued but also adapted and expanded. Initiatives such as joint clinical training, mobile clinics, cross-border fellowships, and patient transport services demonstrated the potential of healthcare as an entry point for building trust and promoting cooperation in conflict-affected regions.