College calls for solution to bring about ‘a lasting peace’ as Middle East conflict continues

Publication date: 13 November 2023

The College has issued a further statement on the situation in Middle East, following latest reports of the impact on medical colleagues trying to provide care.

"As a medical Royal College, we deplore the escalating loss of life and the deepening humanitarian disaster as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“We are profoundly concerned by the reports we have received from our medical colleagues in Gaza about the appalling conditions under which they are working, with an acute lack of basic supplies and the constant risk of military attack.  We note that, according to the World Health Organisation, half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals and two thirds of its primary health care centres are not functioning at all, and that constant gunfire and bombing in the area around the Al-Shifa hospital are exacerbating the already critical situation there.

“We call on all parties to take robust measures to protect and facilitate the ability of medical professionals to safely provide care, including through the establishment of safe zones and humanitarian pauses.

“We also strongly urge all those with direct or indirect influence on the conflict to urgently work towards a cessation of hostilities and to lay the foundations of a political solution that can bring about a lasting peace."

Further information

Previous College statements on this subject:

RCGP Press office: 0203 188 7659

press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.