Alison Barrett writes:
More than 900 Australian doctors have signed and published a full-page advertisement in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald this week calling for the Australian Government to do more for the people of Gaza.
The letter urges the Government to demand Israel abides by international law and stops targeting civilians, healthcare workers and medical infrastructure.
It also urges the Government to call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, advocate for the unconditional release of all Israeli and Palestinian hostages and insist on and support unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
All Australian medical doctors are invited to sign an open letter in support which will be presented to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong on 30 May.
The letter says: “As Australian medical doctors, we are bound by our ethical obligation to protect life and are unequivocal in our stance: no population should be denied access to healthcare, humanitarian aid, or the means to survive.”
The calls to action come as UN officials this week condemn Gaza aid restrictions.
Jonathan Whittall, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Head of Office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said at a press briefing “the new [aid] distribution model cannot possibly meet Gaza’s needs” and falls short of minimum obligations under international law.
“This new scheme is surveillance-based rationing that legitimises a policy of deprivation by design. And it comes at a time when people in Gaza, half of whom are children, are facing a crisis of survival,” he said.
Whittall calls for governments around the world to “finally enforce the political and economic pressure needed to stop these atrocities”.
Sigrid Kaag, interim UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, reiterated warnings the “entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine”.
Kaag urged Israel to end its “devastating strikes on civilian life and infrastructure” and allow full access for humanitarian aid and commercial goods.
“Humanitarian aid must not depend on political negotiations, noting that the UN aid operation is prepared to deliver assistance immediately, in accordance with international law. Aid cannot be negotiable,” she said.
The Australian College of Midwives also issued a statement in the past week calling for an immediate ceasefire:
“The Australian College of Midwives condemns the escalating conflict that has devastated Gaza’s health system and endangered the lives of women, newborns, and healthcare workers. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian emergency. The collapse of essential services, including maternal and neonatal care, is placing countless lives at unacceptable risk.
“Reports from humanitarian organisations and international agencies describe appalling conditions. Midwives are working without reliable power, clean water, or adequate medical supplies. Women are giving birth in unsafe, overcrowded settings, often without professional assistance. Newborns are dying from preventable causes. These circumstances represent a catastrophic failure to protect health and human dignity.
“We condemn all violence against civilians and the targeting of healthcare facilities and personnel. These actions violate international humanitarian law and undermine the fundamental rights to life and health.
“We support the Australian Government’s stance advocating for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and an immediate ceasefire. We encourage continued engagement with international partners toward a just and sustainable peace that respects the rights and dignity of all people.
“The Australian College of Midwives stands in solidarity with midwifery colleagues working under unimaginable conditions. We honour their courage, mourn those who have died, and reaffirm our commitment to health equity, peace, and protecting those who care for others.
“Together with the International Confederation of Midwives, we call for an immediate ceasefire and a sustained global commitment to peace. Only through collective action can the lives of women, newborns, midwives, and health workers be protected.”
Other commentary
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