International medical professionals demand protection for Gaza’s health workers
Open letter cites targeted attacks, blockade, and starvation amid collapsing health system
GAZA CITY, Palestine (MNTV) — A coalition of healthcare professionals who have worked in Gaza since late 2023 has issued an open letter condemning what they describe as the systematic targeting, starvation, and abuse of their Palestinian colleagues under Israel’s ongoing genocide and aid blockade.
The signatories say the enclave’s health system has been “effectively destroyed,” with a handful of partially functioning hospitals kept running only by the determination of Palestinian doctors, nurses, and first responders.
Many, they report, are performing surgeries and emergency care while undernourished, dizzy, or faint, surviving on minimal food and often living in tents after being displaced from their homes.
The letter accuses Israel of deliberately undermining healthcare by:
- Killing more than 1,580 health workers as of May 2025 through repeated attacks on medical facilities and personnel.
- Detaining, abusing, and torturing hundreds of medical staff in prisons and detention camps.
- Blocking patient evacuations and international medical missions, as well as closing or obstructing key humanitarian routes.
- Restricting entry of essential supplies such as medications, surgical tools, food, and infant formula.
The authors stress that malnutrition, combined with shortages of basic medical resources, is preventing patients from recovering from injuries and leaving both civilians and health workers more vulnerable to infections.
Calling the crisis “entirely man-made,” the letter demands immediate international action to:
- Protect Palestinian health workers and secure the release of those detained.
- End attacks on hospitals, clinics, and ambulances.
- Lift the blockade to allow unimpeded delivery of food, water, medicines, and fuel.
- Guarantee safe access for international medical teams.
- Secure a permanent ceasefire and end the military occupation of Gaza.
- Hold accountable those responsible for violations against medical staff and facilities.
The statement concludes with a rejection of “silence and supposed neutrality,” pledging continued solidarity with Gaza’s healthcare community.
The letter, condemning Israeli violence and brutal blockade, is signed by 123 health professionals and 159 allied health workers working in Gaza’s life-threatening terrain.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
