Professor Steve Turner, RCPCH President said:
“It is clear, not just to paediatricians but to the world, that the situation in Gaza is now catastrophic. Children, whose families are already displaced and destitute, are facing injury, disease and death from rocket attacks and lack of food, clean water, healthcare and other vital necessities. The College condemns the failure to deliver food and other essential basic humanitarian aid.
“The College calls for an immediate increase in the speed and volume of aid delivery to meet the urgency and scale of need in Gaza. We have again written to Rt Hon David Lammy MP, the UK Foreign Secretary, repeating our previous calls to the UK Government to do everything it can to support aid delivery mechanisms. It is crucial that such systems have a proven track record of reaching all communities according to the humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence. We continue to argue for the protection of health care facilities and workers, in line with international law.
“Our College has been advocating on behalf of children and health workers caught up in the conflict in the Middle East since October 2023. Since then, we have written to successive foreign secretaries, published statements responding to developments and supported international partners in the region. The College will continue to advocate on behalf of members in highlighting the impact of the crisis on children and healthcare staff. We call on the Government to use its influence to bring about a permanent ceasefire, return of all hostages and a funded plan for long-term reconstruction.”