Geneva Convention must be respected in the Gaza conflict
The Nordic Medical Associations strongly urge all parties to respect the conventions on the protection of civilians in time of war.
Since the escalation of the war in Gaza several hundred civilians have been wounded and the general health situation has severely deteriorated. The Nordic Medical Associations of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark most strongly urge the parties of the armed conflict to fully comply with the Geneva Conventions to ensure the protection of civilians and their relief in times of war. Physicians and other health care professionals must not be hindered in pursuing their duties. We have been informed about the sufferings of the civilians and their urgent need for medical help through Norwegian physicians working in a hospital on the Gaza Strip.
Both parties must secure the supply of medicines and equipment needed for the treatment of the sick and wounded and the infrastructure and unimpeded passage that is a prerequisite to health, including potable water, adequate food and shelter.
We strongly urge the parties and the international community to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population through working for a negotiated cease fire followed by a peace settlement.
Presidents of the Nordic Medical Associations
Eva Nilsson Bågenholm, Sweden, +46707903400 Torunn Jannbu, Norway, +4797735457 Birna Jonsdottir, Iceland, +3545644100 Timo Kaukonen, Finland, +358 9 393 0777 Jens Winther Jensen, Denmark, +458949333