Breaking the Silence: The Role of Health Professionals in the Gaza Crisis

Abstract

Having the opportunity to write something in this moment, I would use it to raise my voice on behalf of the health professional community for the people of Gaza. As mentioned by Sualeha Shekhani and Dr. Aamir Jafarey, doctors represent the moral voice of their era. However, in light of the events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent armed assault by Israeli forces on Gaza, which has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, the response from the global bioethics community seems muted (Shekhani & Jafarey, 2024). This silence can be partly explained by editorial restraints that may prevent a more robust response from the health community towards the Gaza crisis.

Health professionals are uniquely positioned to influence policy decisions and advocate for equitable healthcare. They possess specialized knowledge of medical ethics and healthcare structures, enabling them to champion the causes of the vulnerable and reduce disparities across society. Physicians, trained in evidence-based medicine, can ensure that policy decisions are grounded in scientific research rather than political expediency (Fernandes, 2024). The medical community's silence regarding the Gaza crisis is troubling. Healthcare workers in Gaza are targeted, and doctors work without essential medicines and resources, risking their lives for the population they serve. The current health sector in Gaza is at a breaking point, exacerbating the public health crisis and psychological trauma experienced by the residents (Fernandes, 2024).