15 October 2023
THE ATTACKS ON GAZA’S HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND MANPOWER HAS
PUSHED IT TO THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE!
The ruthless and unrelenting attacks on the Gaza Strip has caused at least
2,329 deaths and 9,714 Palestinians have been injured according to the
Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH). About 53% and 46% of the deaths and
injured respectively were women and children.
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) confirmed that 11 of its staff
members were killed. 5 members of the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) were also killed by Israeli the air
strikes.
The Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) killed 8 doctors and 10 Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) providers.
In 8 days, the Israeli killings exceeded the death toll of the 51 days massacre
of Gaza in 2014.
The Palestinian MOH infrastructure have not been spared of the bombings.
Up until 12 October 2023, 14 health facilities were attacked and 23
ambulances were destroyed and the numbers are increasing by the day.
Following Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant’s statements: “I have
ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no
food, no fuel, everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we
act accordingly”; the MOH has virtually no electricity or fuel reserves to
power hospitals.
Even prior to the invasion, the MOH central drug stores reported low and
some zero stocks of essential medicines and surgical consumables.
All MOH hospitals are struggling to cope with the deluge of emergencies.
Chief Surgeon and Medical Director of Shifa Hospital described the situation
as impossible!Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International said: “Medical facilities must
be respected. This is not something that should have to be negotiated.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) pleaded for the immediate opening
of a humanitarian corridor to access life-saving supplies, and the delivery of
food, water, and fuel to the MOH in Gaza. And for Israel to immediately
rescind the evacuation orders of over 1 million people in North Gaza.
Collective punishment is a violation of human rights, international law, and
is a war crime. Article 33 of the Geneva Convention IV states: “Collective
penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are
prohibited.”
The Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA), therefore:
1. Condemns all forms of aggression that results in loss of innocent lives
and destruction of properties.
2. Urge the immediate cessation of the bombardment of healthcare
facilities and healthcare professionals which is totally unacceptable.
3. Urge an immediate ceasefire between the two warring parties.
4. Urge all parties to abide by the jurisdiction of international law and
uphold universal respect of human rights and dignity.
5. Urge the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor to allow the
passage of live-saving medicines and surgical supplies to the
Palestinian MOH and essential supplies of food, water and fuel.
6. Urge all nations to cease all forms of political rhetoric that is further
escalating the Israel-Palestine tensions and instead pave the way for
reconciliation and peace.
We call upon all likeminded humanitarian relief organizations to unite in
their response to this unprecedented crisis by providing the critical
medicines, water, food and fuel needed to maintain life in the Gaza strip and
support of the healthcare services in Gaza.
*FIMA remains apolitical as an international professional organisation.
As a mother organisation of many IMAs our press releases and statements should not put our IMAs in trouble especially where they are a minority and can be readily targeted by the authorities.
And we must always be factual in our accounts and rationalize an endeavour towards reconciliation and global peace.
Wallahualam
