Call for humanitarian pause in Gaza conflict
The AMA continues to support the WMA’s policy and advocacy response to the conflict.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the World Medical Association has called for a humanitarian pause to allow for the safe delivery of humanitarian and medical aid and the release and safe passage of hostages.
Addressing the humanitarian and public health situation in Gaza, the WMA reiterated its call for medical neutrality, safe access to healthcare services including implementing public health measures and comprehensive disease surveillance and response, and the safety and protection of all civilians along with healthcare personnel and facilities.
As a member of the World Medical Association, the AMA continues to support the WMA’s policy and advocacy response in relation to the conflict in Gaza.
In October last year, we published a statement on the conflict that formally supports many of the World Medical Association’s policies in relation to armed conflicts which largely focus on the importance of medical neutrality in conflict zones and the protection of healthcare workers.
In January, we highlighted the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), both of which are actively on the ground in Gaza providing assistance and relief to those in need.
You can visit the ICRC's website and the MSF Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza webpage if you would like to donate. This promotion affirms the WMA's call for donations to the ICRC and MSF as found on the WMA website.
More recently, the AMA met with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Medical Board to try to ensure doctors’ respectful social media comments advocating peace and protection in warzones are not penalised by the regulator. In response to the AMA’s advocacy, Ahpra updated their guidance for doctors who wish to use social media to express their views and concerns in relation to wars or conflicts.
The AMA recognises the conflict and ensuing humanitarian crisis is causing great distress amongst healthcare workers in Australia and around the world. Australian doctors who are experiencing distress can contact Doctors4Doctors for support by visiting www.drs4drs.com.au.