Dear Leadership of the American Academy of Family Physicians,

It is with profound sadness and grief that we, the undersigned family physicians, witness the devastating collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza. As family physicians devoted to protecting human life—from the unborn to the elderly—we are heartbroken by the ongoing deaths of innocent civilians, including pregnant mothers, newborns, children, individuals with physical or mental disabilities, and the elderly. This tragedy is compounded by the systematic destruction of healthcare facilities and hospitals—spaces that, under international law, should remain inviolable sanctuaries for the sick and injured.

We mourn not only the loss of innocent lives but also the brave healthcare professionals in Gaza who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of our colleagues have perished because they chose to remain with their patients, fulfilling their oath to serve humanity even at the cost of their own lives. Their courage and dedication are unparalleled, and their actions stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The situation reached an intolerable breaking point at the end of December 2024, when our colleague, Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, was taken prisoner;his whereabouts are still unknown. Compounding this tragedy, Kamal Adwan Hospital—the last functioning hospital in Northern Gaza—was destroyed, leaving thousands of patients without access to emergency medical care.

As members of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), we stand in solidarity with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which recently sent a letter to Secretary Blinken. The AAP urged the Secretary to advocate for the immediate release of Dr. Abu Safia and to take action to ensure the protection of Gazans’ fundamental right to medical and surgical care.

We call on the AAFP to join this urgent appeal. We urge the organization to:
1. Publicly support the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia and advocate for his safe return to his family.
2. Demand international protections for healthcare workers, patients, and medical facilities in Gaza, in alignment with established international laws.
3. Reiterate the commitment of family physicians worldwide to the principles of humanity, equity, and the preservation of life.

The dire circumstances in Gaza demand immediate and united action. As family physicians, our collective voice can and must amplify the call for justice, dignity, and the safeguarding of human life.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.