The Time for Change is Now!

The crisis in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe that challenges the conscience of humanity. As health workers, we have a moral obligation to stand against these atrocities and defend the right to health and human dignity.

This action will stand out as the first time that health workers all over the world take such a unified stance, because it is the first time they are so blatantly and systematically attacked while attempting to save lives. The time has come for a humanitarian intervention by the UN. Humanitarian interventions are intended to prevent human rights violations in extreme circumstances.

On behalf of healthcare workers worldwide, we demand:

1. Maintaining the ceasefire and a permanent Ceasefire

• A permanent ceasefire is needed to end violence and protect lives and allow healthcare work.

   2. Release of Detained Healthcare Workers and Civilians

• The immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Abu Sufiya and all illegally detained healthcare workers.
• The release of ALL civilian detainee, including the over 11,000 Palestinian civilians held by Israel without formal charges, evidence, or legal representation.

   3. Restoration of Red Cross Access

• Reinstate Red Cross access to all Palestinian prisoners, which has been unlawfully suspended by Israel since October 13, 2023.

   4. UN Protection for Gaza’s Healthcare Workers and Patients

• Immediate action by the United Nations to protect healthcare workers and patients in Gaza.
• This should include declaring a genocide emergency in Gaza (supported by 65 official institutions and expert testimonies HERE) and invoking the "Responsibility to Protect" doctrine or initiating a humanitarian intervention.

  5. Establishment of a Humanitarian Corridor

• An internationally coordinated and enforced humanitarian corridor to:
• Deliver essential supplies.
• Treat and evacuate the injured.
• Ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for civilians.

  6. Accountability for Violations of International Law

• Israel must comply with international law and be held accountable for violations, specifically:
• Article 18 of the Geneva Conventions.
• UN General Assembly Resolution A/ES-10/L.31/Rev.1.
  

Why the UN?

The United Nations (UN) has long been seen as a critical institution for addressing global humanitarian crises. As a body entrusted with the responsibility to ensure peace, human rights, and sustainable development, the UN must fulfill its role with urgency when humanity is in dire need of intervention. Our international medical delegation is demanding the UN take immediate and decisive action to enforce a humanitarian intervention where it is most urgently required.

The UN’s humanitarian efforts are often described as a "911 service" for those suffering in conflict zones or after natural disasters. But when action is delayed or hindered, people continue to suffer. The time for proactive intervention is now. Our delegation calls on the UN to act swiftly and effectively, upholding their responsibility to prevent further harm and address urgent humanitarian needs.

The UN has the power to make a difference. It is time for them to step up and ensure that humanitarian intervention is not just an option, but a reality.

A Global Effort to Protect Human Dignity

This protest is the first of its kind, bringing together health organizations and individuals from around the world. It is more than a symbolic act; it is a powerful appeal to the international community to uphold the fundamental right to health and human life.

A Call to All Health Workers and Organizations

We urge health organizations, civil society groups, and individuals everywhere to join this effort. Let us stand together to demand action from global leaders and institutions, including the United Nations and the WHO.

When we raise our voices together, we cannot be ignored.