The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Toi Mata Hauora is horrified by the loss of life and injuries inflicted on civilians and healthcare workers in the Middle East from 7 October 2023.
The World Health Organization has documented multiple unacceptable attacks on healthcare workers, patients, and families in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, resulting in fatalities, injuries and the destruction of critical healthcare infrastructure. Healthcare workers have died and have been injured while on duty.
ASMS Toi Mata Hauora condemns all acts of violence against civilians and healthcare workers.
Healthcare and healthcare facilities should not be put in harm’s way. The extensive destruction of infrastructure and residential buildings is overwhelmingly harmful to public health and has caused a humanitarian crisis.
We acknowledge the statements of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and likewise call for an urgent, peaceful end to the conflict.
We stand in solidarity with our healthcare worker colleagues on the ground, working with Médecins Sans Frontières, the World Health Organization, and healthcare workers in conflict zones globally.
