Doctors Without Borders Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza as Hospitals Turn into Morgues
In an open letter addressed to the Swedish government, Doctors Without Borders has appealed for immediate action to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza. The organization warns that hospitals in the region have now been transformed into morgues due to the ongoing conflict.
Doctors Without Borders describes the attacks on hospitals, patients, and medical staff as well as the collective punishment of Gaza as clear violations of international humanitarian law. They further criticize the lack of intervention by the global community and call on Sweden to take an active role in advocating for humanitarian aid in the region.
The organization’s letter, published on Monday, emphasizes the urgent need for both short and long-term ceasefires to provide relief to the people of Gaza. They stress that the recent seven-day break in fighting was merely a temporary respite and that more sustained measures are required to ensure access to essential healthcare, medical equipment, food, and water.
Highlighting the severity of the situation in Gaza, the organization stresses the urgent need for humanitarian aid given the immeasurable needs in the region. They express deep concern over the resumed hostilities and the resulting destruction, including the transformation of hospitals into morgues.
Doctors Without Borders has accused Israel of showing a complete disregard for Gaza’s medical facilities, leading to casualties and destruction. They report attacks, shootings, and raids on hospitals, as well as the deaths of medical personnel. The organization also expresses alarm over the exhaustion and despair experienced by medical staff, citing the lack of anesthesia and sterilized instruments for treating critically injured children.
The letter likens Gaza to “the world’s largest open-air prison” as a result of the blockade imposed in 2007, leading to severe shortages of water, food, fuel, and medical supplies. Doctors Without Borders condemned this as a war crime under international humanitarian law, and made four specific demands to the government: an end to attacks on civilians, hospitals, and personnel, as well as to forced displacement and the sieges and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
They also urged Sweden to use its influence as a donor and an active voice within the international humanitarian community to address the crisis in Gaza. The organization concludes by reiterating its dismay over the failure of the international community to prevent the ongoing humanitarian disaster in the region.
The open letter from Doctors Without Borders serves as a powerful call to action, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention in Gaza to prevent further loss of life and suffering.