Statement from the Australian Islamic Medical Association on the Destruction of Gaza’s Only Cancer Hospital & systematic destruction of sexual & reproductive health in Gaza
23 March 2025
The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) stands for humanity and the right of every individual to live with dignity and respect. We strongly condemn the destruction of the Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital, Gaza’s only cancer treatment facility, and the systematic destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare facilities across Gaza, including maternity hospitals and maternity wards of hospitals and Gaza’s main in-vitro fertility clinic.
Cancer patients in Gaza, already struggling to access life-saving treatment, have now lost their only hope. The hospital symbolized resilience and strength, built to provide quality care despite extreme hardships. Its destruction is part of a wider assault on healthcare, education, and essential services—actions that have killed over 1,000 healthcare workers and thousands of innocent civilians
This is an attack on human rights, medical ethics, and the very essence of humanitarianism.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory reported that Israeli authorities deliberately destroyed healthcare facilities rendering them non-functional, while simultaneously imposing a siege, and preventing humanitarian assistance at-scale, including necessary medications and equipment to ensure safe pregnancies, deliveries and neonatal care. Israeli authorities have implemented the systematic denial of approval for patients to exit Gaza and seek treatment elsewhere, including patients with gynaecological cancer.
The impact on pregnant, lactating, and new mothers in Gaza is unparalleled. Additionally, the lack of access to sexual and reproductive health care has caused immediate physical and mental harm to women and girls, resulting in suffering with long-term, irreversible consequences for their mental health and reproductive health.
Furthermore, on the 18th of March 2025 it was reported that an obstetrics-gynaecology specialists at the UNRWA clinic Dr Majda Abu Aker was massacred alongside her children.
These actions constitute crimes against humanity, intentionally creating living conditions designed to lead to the physical destruction of Palestinians as a group, which is recognized as a genocidal act under the Rome Statute and the Genocide Convention.
AIMA expresses unwavering solidarity with our medical colleagues in Gaza, whose courage and commitment in the face of such overwhelming destruction serve as a profound source of inspiration. We especially acknowledge the resilience of our female colleagues, who, despite enduring unimaginable gender-based violence, remain determined to uphold the Hippocratic oath and continue their vital work in caring for others.
We call upon the international community, leadership of the Royal Colleges and healthcare societies to play their part to act urgently to protect healthcare workers, restore medical services, and hold those responsible to account.
Healthcare is not a target. Patients are not combatants.
The world must not remain silent.
Australian Islamic Medical Association – For further enquiries, please reach out to us at admin@aima.org.au.
