Pakistan Medical Association condemns humanitarian violations in Gaza

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical Association has strongly condemned what it described as grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the occupied territories.
In a statement, Prof. Muhammad Ashraf Nizami, Central Chairman for International Affairs of the Pakistan Medical Association, said the continuous bombardment of civilian populations, including women, children, medical personnel and patients, has created a humanitarian catastrophe and represents a blatant attack on human dignity.
He said that as medical professionals and defenders of human rights, members of the association express profound grief and concern over the destruction of hospitals, blockade of medical aid, loss of innocent lives and widespread human suffering caused by Israeli forces.
Prof. Nizami stated that the world cannot remain silent in the face of a situation that many international observers and human rights organizations are describing as genocide and collective punishment against Palestinians.
The association also expressed solidarity with international humanitarian activists participating in the “Flotilla to Gaza” campaign, describing the initiative as a peaceful mission aimed at delivering humanitarian assistance to the besieged people of Gaza and raising global awareness about their suffering.
The statement said any attack, threat or aggression against civilian activists and humanitarian missions is unacceptable and must be condemned by the international community.
The Pakistan Medical Association called upon the United Nations, World Health Organization, International Committee of the Red Cross and global human rights organizations to take immediate and effective measures to ensure an immediate ceasefire, safe delivery of humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza, protection of hospitals and medical staff, accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, and an end to the blockade and collective punishment against Palestinians.
“We stand firmly with the oppressed people of Palestine in their struggle for justice, peace, dignity and fundamental human rights,” the statement added.
The statement was issued by Amjad Gondal, spokesperson for the Pakistan Medical Association.