November 15, 2023
IFHHRO is one of the signatories of a statement published today by Physicians for Human Rights Israel. In this statement, we urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza. Meanwhile, healthcare and rescue workers, patients and medical facilities must receive protection and assistance in their mission to save lives.
Health and humanitarian organizations have witnessed a severe crisis in Gaza:
- Over 11,000 Palestinians, including 4,500 children, have been killed by Israel’s aerial attacks. An additional 2,000 people are reported missing, with roughly 1,500 of them being children. The conflict has also led to the internal displacement of 1.5 million individuals.
- At least 62 medical facilities, including 22 hospitals, have been damaged. Another 24 hospitals were forcibly evacuated due to the ongoing conflict.
- Gaza’s health system faces overwhelming challenges. Since October 7th, over 24,000 people have been wounded, and medical professionals are displaced. Hospitals suffer from critical shortages of anesthesia, antibiotics, and painkillers.
- The blackout enforced by Israel has caused one-third of Gaza’s hospitals and two-thirds of primary health clinics to shut down due to fuel shortages. As a result, critical patients, including premature babies in incubators, are unable to receive necessary treatment.
- Even though evacuation calls violate international law and medical ethics, Israel has ordered 24 hospitals in Northern Gaza to evacuate, affecting over 2,000 inpatients.
Read the full statement: Health and Humanitarian Organizations Call for a Ceasefire