The AMA has again written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The AMA has again written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging the Australian government to call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, advocate for unimpeded access to humanitarian aid and support the protection of all healthcare personnel and facilities.
Whilst commending the government on recently becoming a signatory to the international Joint donor statement on humanitarian aid to Gaza , the AMA implored the government to do more to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza and to protect all healthcare personnel who put themselves at risk to provide essential care to those in need.
The Prime Minister's attention was drawn to statements this week by Dr Ashok Philip , President of the World Medical Association (WMA), that: "It is a matter of humanity not to let the people of Gaza face starvation or be denied healthcare. Both sides must respect humanitarian law. That means protecting healthcare facilities and staff - not attacking or misusing them - and also making sure that people have access to food and essential supplies." In the last few weeks, the WMA has repeatedly called on the Israeli government to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, demanding a bilateral, negotiated, and sustainable ceasefire in order to protect all civilians, secure the release and safe passage of all hostages and to allow the transfer of humanitarian aid for all.
The AMA reiterated its support for the World Medical Association's (WMA) advocacy in relation to the conflict and for the WMA's Resolution on the Protection of Healthcare in Israel and Gaza . This was adopted by the WMA's General Assembly in October 2024, with the AMA voting in support.
The AMA concluded the letter to the Prime Minister by stating that it is unfortunate the recommendations set out in the WMA statement are as urgent and relevant today as they were when adopted last year.
The AMA continues to urge the Australian government to support the WMA recommendations and act to ensure that the people of Gaza receive the humanitarian aid they critically need and that healthcare personnel, and the facilities within which they work, are protected.
