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The Alliance condemns attacks on civilians on both sides and stresses the need for an urgent sustained ceasefire and immediate release of all hostages.
We emphasise the importance of protecting human lives, ensuring medical supply delivery, and supporting healthcare providers.
As at date, since 7 October 2023, this conflict has resulted in over 18,000 deaths, over 49,000 injuries and 1.6 million displaced people.[1] Out of these, 41% are children and 25% are women. These include many medical personnel, UN staff and journalists.[2]
The healthcare system in Gaza, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), is critically compromised.[3] The conflict has severely impacted the health infrastructure, leading to an overwhelming burden on healthcare workers and facilities. 14 of the 35 hospitals in Gaza and 45 of the 72 primary health-care facilities have been shut down due to damage of airstrikes or lack of fuel.[4] Additionally, attacks on health units and ambulances have put the system under excessive stress, hindering the delivery of essential medical services to the affected population.[5]
Healthcare workers face overwhelming challenges with rising patient loads and resource shortages, including vital anaesthetics [6], and medicines. [7] The Israeli blockade exacerbates the situation, limiting access to essential resources like food, medicine, electricity, water, and fuel. [8]
The protection of civilians and healthcare infrastructure needs to be prioritised in this critical time. A sustained ceasefire is the only solution. The Alliance emphasises the urgent need for a sustained ceasefire to protect the further loss of human lives and facilitate the delivery of crucial medical supplies and ensure the provision of adequate healthcare services.
The Alliance calls upon all parties involved to prioritise the protection of civilians, including health and humanitarian aid workers, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. It is imperative that immediate measures are taken to restore and sustain the functionality of health facilities, allowing for the effective treatment of the injured and the prevention of further health-related crises.
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[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/12/10/israel-hamas-war-live-no-safe-place-in-gaza-as-severe-hunger-spreads
[2] https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/11/gaza-un-experts-call-international-community-prevent-genocide-against?fbclid=IwAR1xaVHMHM30bh_YBJV-3de5QNFhjt8V6G-yJ7kElPkKoDgirFCCYWYgUis_aem_ATzp9NiMqWheWxL_b89WRufkl0m6IQPjd2mZjNSL6IazfIG91K3pWkvBTC5qJzCmdio
[3] https://www.emro.who.int/opt/priority-areas/occupied-palestinian-territory-health-crisis-2023.html
[4] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)02513-8/fulltext
[5] https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/10/gaza-un-experts-decry-bombing-hospitals-and-schools-crimes-against-humanity
[6] https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/gaza-healthcare-crisis-urgent-action-required-address-alleged-unlawful-israeli-attacks
[7] https://www.emro.who.int/media/news/risk-of-disease-spread-soars-in-gaza-as-health-facilities-water-and-sanitation-systems-disrupted.html
[8] https://www.unrwa.org/gaza-emergency
