PMA urges UN and WHO to ensure protection of civilians, hospitals and aid workers in Gaza

Pakistan Medical Association strongly condemns the grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws being committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the occupied territories. The continuous bombardment of civilian populations, including women, children, medical personnel, and patients, constitutes a humanitarian catastrophe and a blatant attack on human dignity.

These views were expressed by Prof. Muhammad Ashraf Nizami, Central Chairman for International Affairs of the Pakistan Medical Association, in a statement. He further stated that as medical professionals and defenders of human rights, we express profound grief and concern over the destruction of hospitals, blockade of medical aid, loss of innocent lives, and widespread human suffering caused by the Israeli Zionist forces. The world cannot remain silent in the face of a situation that many international observers and human rights organizations are describing as genocide and collective punishment against Palestinians.

We express complete solidarity with the international humanitarian activists participating in the “Flotilla to Gaza” campaign, whose peaceful mission is to deliver humanitarian assistance to the besieged Palestinian people of Gaza and to raise global awareness about their suffering. Any attack, threat, or aggression against innocent civilian activists and humanitarian missions is unacceptable and must be strongly condemned by the international community.

Pakistan Medical Association calls upon the United Nations, World Health Organization, International Committee of the Red Cross, and all human rights organizations to take immediate and effective measures to ensure:

- An immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians
- Safe delivery of humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza
- Protection of hospitals, medical staff, and patients
- Accountability for violations of international humanitarian laws
- An end to the blockade and collective punishment against the Palestinian people

We stand firmly with the oppressed people of Palestine in their struggle for justice, peace, dignity, and fundamental human rights.