Israeli Medical Association urges more medical equipment, aid to Gazans in letter to Katz

The chairman of the Israel Medical Association warned of the risk of widespread famine in Gaza and the potential for serious harm to innocent civilians.

The chairman of the Israel Medical Association warned of the risk of widespread famine in Gaza and the potential for serious harm to innocent civilians during food and medical aid distribution in the region, in a letter addressed to Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday.

The letter also called for “ensuring medical equipment and basic humanitarian conditions” for the Gaza Strip’s civilian population.

The letter emphasized that such actions violate both ethical and international principles, calling for a strict policy ensuring that all military actions are only taken when absolutely necessary. The letter was also addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Health Ministry Director-General, and members of the Security Cabinet.

The letter comes after the head of the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency said on Tuesday that its staff members, as well as doctors and humanitarian workers, are fainting on duty due to hunger and exhaustion.

"Caretakers, including UNRWA colleagues in Gaza, are also in need of care now, doctors, nurses, journalists, humanitarians, among them, UNRWA staff are hungry. Many are now fainting due to hunger and exhaustion while performing their duties," UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement, shared by his spokesperson at a press briefing in Geneva.

Reports of casualties near aid distribution sites

The letter was sent in response to numerous reports from both international and local sources detailing civilian casualties, including fatalities, near food and aid distribution points in Gaza. According to the chairman, the IMA's information is corroborated by testimonies from international aid organizations.

"We have been repeatedly hearing reports, particularly from international aid organizations, that innocent civilians are being killed near food and humanitarian aid distribution points," he wrote. "Today, we received reports of about 73 fatalities in the area."