The medical community must not remain silent about healthcare and water access denial in Palestine

Physicians have a duty to oppose the human suffering and human rights abuses occurring in Gaza, particularly the violations of international humanitarian law (IHL). We especially call attention to the scarcity of potable water in Gaza, which has fueled outbreaks of hepatitis A, polio, and skin infections and has created a public health crisis that is further exacerbated by the destruction of healthcare infrastructure and targeting of healthcare workers. The time is long overdue for physicians to affirm that IHL, including guaranteed access to healthcare and potable water, must be upheld to protect the health and safety of all Palestinians. Moreover, as violence against Palestinians and mass displacement campaigns are escalating in the West Bank, this is a pivotal moment for action to prevent further harms.