World Medical Association Appeals for Rapid and Unobstructed Delivery of Emergency Aid in Gaza

The World Medical Association (WMA) has sent a formal letter to Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, expressing deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian and health crisis in Gaza.

In its letter, the WMA highlights that the crisis continues with “ongoing and immediate needs of food, water, medical supplies, nearly all essential items and medical services.” It notes that hospitals lack medicines, equipment, and fuel, and that immediate support is required for trauma care, infectious disease prevention, and patient evacuations. Given the scale of the crisis, the WMA stresses that humanitarian relief is “urgent, massive and crucial,” warning that obstacles to aid “seriously endanger the lives of millions of civilians.”

“The unprecedented humanitarian and health crisis we are facing in Gaza continues, with ongoing and immediate needs of food, water, medical supplies, nearly all essential items and medical services. Hospitals lack medicines, equipment, and fuel and immediate support is required for trauma care, infectious disease prevention, and patient evacuations.” said Dr Jacqueline Kitulu, President of the World Medical Association.

The WMA urges the Israeli authorities to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and to grant the necessary authorisations to allow for the rapid and unimpeded entry and distribution of emergency aid. While recognising security needs, the letter emphasizes that legitimate health personnel must be able to carry out their duties immediately, in full safety, without obstruction or interference, in accordance with the principle of medical neutrality.

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