World Medical Association Urges Israeli Government to Uphold Humanitarian Law and Protect Healthcare in Gaza

The World Medical Association (WMA) has adopted a new resolution calling on the Government of Israel to immediately cease attacks on healthcare personnel, patients, and medical facilities in Gaza in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and applicable international humanitarian law.

The WMA expressed its profound concern over violations of international humanitarian instruments, including attacks on medical facilities and humanitarian aid convoys. The Association underscored that physicians and other health professionals must be able to perform their duties safely and without obstruction or interference.

In this resolution, the WMA again highlighted the deepening humanitarian and public health crisis in Gaza, where more than half a million people are now facing famine and a risk of preventable deaths due to starvation and the collapse of health infrastructure. International medical aid and access to essential medicines are urgently needed to address malnutrition and prevent further suffering.

“No physician should ever have to choose between saving a life and risking their own,” said Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu, President of the World Medical Association. “The protection of healthcare is not optional, it is a core obligation under international law.”

The WMA also called upon the Israeli government to immediately release all health personnel arbitrarily detained, grant unimpeded access for international medical aid and independent investigators, and ensure accountability under international law for all individuals responsible for criminal acts.  The resolution calls on the World Health Organization to undertake a comprehensive study of the damage to health infrastructure and identify needed measures.

Reaffirming its prior resolution on the Protection of Healthcare in Israel and Gaza, the WMA also echoed its call for the immediate and safe release of all hostages.

The WMA urged governments to support peace initiatives and constructive frameworks to bring an end to the hostilities, such as efforts to implement the current peace plan.

Protection of healthcare and respect for the principle of medical neutrality must remain fundamental, even in times of conflict.

-END-