URGENT APPEAL TO HEALTHCARE LEADERS: PROTECT HEALTHCARE AND CHILDREN IN GAZA—DO NOT BAN UNRWA SUPPORT AMIDST GROWING CRISIS. Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 10 AM in front of the west steps of the State Capitol, downtown Denver
Woman of Jaffa by Rowan Anani
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
URGENT APPEAL TO HEALTHCARE LEADERS: PROTECT HEALTHCARE AND CHILDREN IN GAZA—DO NOT BAN UNRWA SUPPORT AMIDST GROWING CRISIS
Media Contact:
Dr. Mohamed | (314) 775-7990 | DoctorsAgainstGenocideCO@gmail.com
Rob Prince | (720) 398-7719 | robertjprince@gmail.com
Reema Wahdan | (720) 341-3253 | reema.wahdan15@gmail.com
Photo, video, and interviews with participants are available upon request
November 1, 2024
On Sunday Nov 3 at the Colorado State Capitol, healthcare leaders and organizations are issuing an urgent appeal to the CDC, NIH, presidents of medical associations, hospital CEOs, and healthcare advocates worldwide to take immediate action to address the escalating healthcare crisis affecting children and communities in Gaza and Lebanon. With the destruction of critical medical infrastructure and the lives of patients and healthcare professionals at risk, the banning of support for UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency) could cripple an already devastated healthcare system and exacerbate the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
As healthcare workers and leaders committed to protecting life and health, we must address the immediate and catastrophic needs of Gaza, where nearly every hospital has been destroyed, healthcare facilities have been reduced to rubble, and access to essential services is severely limited. Medical missions have been blocked, and critical resources such as food, fuel, and medical supplies have been cut off, creating an untenable situation for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Healthcare Leaders Demand Immediate Action:
- End Bombing of Hospitals and Attacks on Healthcare Personnel: We call for an immediate halt to all bombings of hospitals, healthcare facilities, and attacks on aid workers. Healthcare providers and medical facilities must be protected under international law.
- Safeguard Children from Harm: No child should endure the horrors of war. We demand protection for children in Gaza and Lebanon, ensuring their right to life, safety, and peace.
- Implement an Immediate Ceasefire and Stop the Violence: A ceasefire is urgently needed to allow healthcare operations to resume, stabilize healthcare services, and prevent further loss of life.
- Cease Arms Supply and Divest from Entities Complicit in Violence: We urge an embargo on weapons to Israel, as the militarization of healthcare spaces has led to tragic civilian casualties and destruction of critical healthcare services.
- Ensure Humanitarian Access to Gaza: Immediate access for humanitarian and medical aid is essential to deliver lifesaving supplies and services, including antibiotics, trauma care, and surgical tools.
- Expand Trauma-Informed Healthcare Training: Healthcare institutions must equip staff to provide trauma-informed care for patients affected by the consequences of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systemic oppression.
- We call on the Colorado Congressional delegation to sponsor/support HR 9649 – the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act. We call on the Biden Administration to suspend blocking UNRWA funding asap.
Call to Action for Healthcare Leadership
We urge healthcare leaders to advocate for legislative action to prevent further violence and support initiatives that protect the well-being of children and healthcare workers. Supporting organizations in Gaza and Lebanon will strengthen their capacity to provide essential medical services, rebuild infrastructure, and sustain healthcare education for future providers.
This appeal aligns with the principles of International Humanitarian Law, US Federal Law, and medical ethics. The collective response of healthcare leaders and organizations can save lives and support those working under the harshest conditions to provide care.
The time to act is now. Join us in this critical mission to defend the principles of healthcare, protect vulnerable populations, and preserve the right to medical care and humanitarian support in Gaza.
Contact Information:
Doctors Against Genocide
www.doctorsagainstgenocide.org
Endorsing Organizations:
Advancing Health Equity
American Muslim Health Professionals
Center for Freedom and Justice – Colorado
Disability Justice for Palestine
Doctors Against Genocide
Equal Health
Eyewitnesses Gaza Friends of Sabeel
Healthworkers Alliance for Palestine
Healthcare Workers for Palestine
Health Justice
Jewish Voice For Peace Health Advisory Council
Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention and Human Security
Medical Students for Justice in Palestine (MSJP)
Nurses Against Genocide
No Child A Target
Physicians for Humanity Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center
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Israelis blocked aid trucks to Gaza at the Tarkamiya checkpoint. Multiple international bodies and rights groups have validated that 83% of food aid has not entered into Gaza in 2024. There’s also a catalogue of video evidence showing Israeli settlers destroying food aid meant for Gaza.
View from the Left Bank: Rob Prince's Blog 