The conflict between Israel and Hamas which is currently affecting the people of Israel and Palestine is rooted in a deep, complex and violent history. As individuals we no doubt have our own personal views about cause, effect, culpability and what the future should look like. This petition is not about any of those matters; it is a call by those who sign it for an immediate ceasefire by both combatant parties in Gaza on humanitarian grounds.

It is signed by the members and supporters of EveryDoctor which campaigns primarily for the NHS, its staff and patients in the UK. Many of those signing are medical personnel to whom the horrors of trying to care for the sick, vulnerable and injured in the midst of such devastation will be almost unimaginable. Other signatories are supporters and those who simply cannot stand by silently; those for whom it is impossible to see the evolving humanitarian crisis in Gaza and fail to speak up. The hostilities must cease so that those who are sick, injured and suffering can be provided with basic humanitarian and medical care as is their right as enshrined in international law.

The Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 introduced laws that relate to the protection of civilian populations during war (the previous three Geneva Conventions related to the treatment of military personnel in wartime). In relation to non-combatant civilians, medical personnel and aid workers it requires parties to a war [1]:

1. Not to attack medical workers, medical vehicles and hospitals dedicated to humanitarian work.

2. To mandate that the sick and wounded have a right to be cared for, regardless of whose side they are on.

3. To recognise the right of civilians to be protected from the dangers of war and receive such help as they need – all care must be taken to avoid harming them or their houses, their means of survival (e.g. water supplies), etc.

4. To protect those who are not fighting.

5. Not to target civilians.

These rules are not being observed and thousands of non-combatant civilians have died as a result. This must stop now. Medical personnel and aid workers must be able to access those in need immediately without fear of harm in order to provide care, treatment and humanitarian supplies.

Basic humanity and the law must prevail.

Call for a #CeasefireNOW