Our commitment to peace, justice and the defence of quality public services in our region and globally does not recognise boarders or regions and we are horrified that more than 130 members of PSI affiliates have been killed, including members of our health affiliates executive board and union leadership.  

The orders of the International Court of Justice in the case of South Africa v. Israel of 29 December 2023 reflect a serious concern about the perpetration of the crime of genocide in Palestine and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This has included, in the words of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, “a concerted policy to destroy the health-care system of Gaza”, and deliberate lethal attacks and torture against medical personnel. The WHO has recorded almost 1000 fatal attacks on health workers, another 1000 injured, and detention of more than 300 health workers, with evidence that health workers have been brutally tortured in detention. 

PSI congress in 2023 condemned the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023, called for the release of the hostages, and stated that collective punishment of the population of Gaza for Hamas’ action could not be justified. However, we are gravely concerned that the sustained military occupation and siege of Gaza continues to inflict massive civilian casualties and the widespread destruction of vital infrastructure, public services, schools, and water systems, denial and obstruction of humanitarian aid with the consequence of mass starvation and confirmed famine. This is rendering Gaza a mass grave. 

We therefore  

EXTEND our SOLIDARITY to affiliates and workers in Palestine who continue to deliver vital public services without access to medical supplies, equipment, or safety guarantees, and who continue to deliver care amidst the rubble despite the very real risk of being killed. We recognise their extraordinary courage and commitment. 

DEMAND an immediate and permanent ceasefire, lifting of the humanitarian aid blockade and restoration of UN access, an end to the unlawful occupation of Palestine, recognition of the right to self-determination for Palestinian people, and for perpetrators of the crime of genocide and other war crimes to be held accountable.  

URGE our governments to become members of the Hague Group and endorse the measures it proposes to pressure Israel into a ceasefire 

CALL on PSI affiliates in the region to identify key interventions for governments to break political and economic relationships with Israel as a tool for effective pressure 

CALL on PSI affiliates to support initiatives for the reconstruction of the health system and support to health workers in Gaza by breaking the blockade and delivering aid to Gaza. 

COMMIT OURSELVES to campaign for these demands and to mobilise support for our affiliates in Palestine towards rebuilding their unions and public services.