The chair of the RCGP has written to the UK foreign secretary, calling for the Government to address the escalating healthcare crisis in Gaza.
In a letter published 30 May, RCGP chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne told David Lammy that she was ‘profoundly concerned’ about the impact of the Israel-Gaza war on health services and those providing medical aid.
Professor Hawthorne described the situation in Gaza as ‘nothing short of catastrophic’.
She wrote: ‘We were all appalled by the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023 and recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.
‘However, this right must be exercised in accordance with international humanitarian law, protecting civilians and medical facilities.’
Professor Hawthorne said that Gaza’s healthcare structure had been ‘decimated’, with medical professionals working under ‘extreme conditions’.
She continued: ‘We know this is a concern you share; indeed, you have condemned attacks on healthcare facilities, describing them as “deplorable”.’
She emphasised that it was not just the impact of ‘direct attacks’ on healthcare facilities that was troubling, but also the infectious diseases and widespread malnutrition caused by the lack of aid and essential supplies.
In the letter, the RCGP chair urged the Government to:
- Ensure that healthcare professionals and their families, patients, and facilities are respected and protected by all parties in line with international humanitarian law;
- Push for the ‘immediate opening of border crossings’ to let in sufficient humanitarian aid;
- Continue to use the available ‘diplomatic channels’ to advocate for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.
Professor Hawthorne wrote a similar letter to Mr Lammy’s predecessor, Lord David Cameron, in December 2023, urging the Government to take urgent action in response to the healthcare crisis in Gaza.
Last May, hundreds of GPs signed an open letter to the Government expressing their ‘deep concern’ about the conflict in Gaza, including the destruction of healthcare facilities.
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Locum GP Dr Hareen De Silva wrote for Pulse about his experience of leading a team of humanitarian healthcare workers in Gaza.
