International Council of Nurses response to worsening situation in Middle East

In response to the severe humanitarian crisis and widespread starvation escalating rapidly throughout Gaza, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) urgently calls on all governments and relevant authorities to facilitate immediate and unimpeded aid and humanitarian access to the region.

Alarming reports of widespread severe malnutrition, preventable deaths, and impending famine risks demand urgent action. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported “mass starvation” and a “deadly surge in malnutrition-related deaths” caused by aid blockades, with a quarter of Gaza’s population facing famine-like conditions, at least three quarters showing “Emergency” or “Catastrophic” levels of food deprivation, and 95% of households facing severe water shortages. Civilians, especially vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with chronic illnesses, lack access to vital supplies, sanitation and hygiene necessities, and basic health services as well as food and clean water. Food distribution centres have become sites of attacks, with mass casualties and deaths reported. 

Health care and humanitarian workers are facing the same risks of starvation as they continue their lifesaving efforts, while WHO reports that many hospitals and health centres are no longer functioning or operating only at minimal capacity due to attacks, shortages of fuel and supplies, and limits on access.

We emphasize the imperative under international humanitarian law (IHL) to ensure the protection of all civilians and humanitarian and health care facilities and professionals, and to support the provision of essential aid, including food, water, and medical supplies. The denial or delay of humanitarian assistance is both illegal and unacceptable.

We continue our calls for peace in the region, including the return of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and urge the international community to urgently act to establish the safe passage of aid through humanitarian corridors and to protect and support the frontline health and aid workers who are striving to provide care in increasingly dire conditions.

This is the latest statement from ICN  which continues to intensify its advocacy to protect nurses and other health care workers safeguarding the right to health in conflict-affected regions, including through a recent resolution by ICN’s Council of National Nursing Association Representatives (CNR) unequivocally condemning attacks on healthcare personnel and urging full compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL).