Israel-Gaza conflict

Israel-Gaza conflict: Position Statement of the Italian Society of Tropical Medicine and Global Health 

On behalf of its President and Board of Directors, and based on the founding principles set out in its Statute, with specific reference "to the populations [...] of the most depressed areas from a socio-economic profile, and in general of those most exposed to the risk of illness linked to the precariousness of living and working conditions, and/or to climatic and environmental determinants"

We feel deep anguish

for the suffering of Gazans and Israelis following the recent worsening of the military crisis in the region

We express growing concern

about the escalation of violence against the civilian population, and in particular children, women and the elderly

We condemn

the denial of basic human rights as reported in the media, and the lack of access to the most basic healthcare (United Nations resolution 74/2 of 10 October 2019), survival and dignity of fragile populations, including children, women, the sick and the elderly 

We call on the Italian Government and the European Union

to make stringent efforts to ensure that all possible diplomatic channels are explored so that humanitarian corridors can be reopened and peace talks can be pursued

We call on all authorities in the region

to guarantee the safe and secure passage of international humanitarian aid and essential medical supplies, as well as the protection of healthcare and relief workers on the ground. All this so that the atrocities of war are not added to those linked to forced displacement, shortages of food, water, medicines and healthcare

We urge the health community

including national and international scientific and global health societies, to support this announcement and disseminate it through their networks.