Access to Medicines Ireland is a campaign group of diverse members with a common goal - a system of medical research and development which delivers the medicines, diagnostics and vaccines we need most at a fair price.
We believe health should always come before corporate profits. This has never been more important than during the COVID-19 pandemic, as vaccine shortfall due to pharmaceutical company monopolies threatens to prolong human suffering across the globe.
Taoiseach,
We recognise the diplomatic and economic contributions the Irish government have made so far to address the crisis in Gaza. This devastating conflict reached its 100th day on the 14th of January 2024. We, the undersigned healthcare organisations and advocacy groups, are writing to collectively express our deep concern about the evolving humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and we are calling on the government to intensify their efforts to prevent further mortality and morbidity.
A staggering humanitarian crisis is ongoing in Gaza, one that is worsening daily. Between October 7 th 2023 and January 21 st 2024, it is reported by the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs, that 25,105 Palestinians have been killed. In addition, 1.7 million people have been displaced, and 62,681 people have been injured. The vast majority of the killed and injured are women and children.
Hunger and disease may kill even more people than military actions. Access to food, water, sanitation and healthcare are human rights. The restrictions on deliveries of medical supplies and equipment have left those in need of medical attention at great risk. According to the latest report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the entire population in the
Gaza Strip (about 2.2 million people) is classified in IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis or worse). This is the highest share of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity that the IPC initiative has ever classified for any given area or country. Four out of five people worldwide experiencing catastrophic hunger are based in Gaza. The healthcare system in Gaza has collapsed. According to the WHO, hospitals in Gaza and other vital medical infrastructure have been attacked nearly 600 times since October 7th. Such attacks are clear violations of international humanitarian law.
As you, Taoiseach, have consistently pointed out, it is our collective responsibility to address the suffering of innocent civilians who bear the brunt of conflicts beyond their control. It is the will of the Irish people that this suffering is urgently addressed. Tens of thousands marched in towns and cities throughout Ireland on a global day of action on Saturday January 13th.
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, an Irish lawyer representing South Africa in its case alleging Israel is carrying out a genocide, said that “nobody is safe” in Gaza. She told the International Court of Justice that “the horror of the genocide against the Palestinian people is being live-streamed around the world”.
We the undersigned healthcare and advocacy organisations wish to add our voices to the over 1,000 allied healthcare professionals who recently signed a letter calling on Ireland to join with South Africa in the case against Israel in the International Court of Justice and to support the request for provisional measures to cease hostilities.
Furthermore, we jointly urge the Irish government to take the additional following actions:
Maintain intensive diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire
Call on Israel to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2720 to ensure long-term unobstructed and safe delivery routes for lifesaving humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza including medical supplies and equipment. This must also include fuel as it is vital to the functioning of the health system in Gaza.
Further increase financial support for humanitarian organisations working in Palestine, particularly those focused on healthcare and medical assistance.
Continue to advocate at the international level for a long-term peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
We firmly believe that Ireland, with its longstanding commitment to human rights and humanitarian values, can make a significant positive impact by taking these actions. Thank you for your attention on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Access to Medicines Ireland
Action Aid Ireland
The Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland
Comhlámh
Comhlámh Justice for Palestine
Friends of the Earth Ireland
Gaza Paediatric Care Initiative
Irish Council for Civil Liberties
Irish Doctors for the Environment
Irish Global Health Network
Irish Society of Specialists in Public Health Medicine
Safetynet Primary Care
Spirasi
Trinity College Dublin Centre for Global Health
Tumaini La Maisha
Taoiseach,
We recognise the diplomatic and economic contributions the Irish government have recently made to address the crisis in Gaza in the face of strong criticism. We, the undersigned healthcare organisations and groups, are writing to collectively express our deep concern about the current situation in Gaza, and we are calling on the government to increase their efforts to prevent further mortality and morbidity.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, between the 7th and 29th of October, approximately 8,005 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis have been killed. Mortality and morbidity is likely to increase as a result of the continued airstrikes, as well as the lack of access to food and water, and poor sanitation conditions across Gaza.
On the 29 th of October, only 33 trucks carrying food, water and medical supplies were permitted to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, this is equivalent to about 7% of the aid delivered daily to Gaza before the 7th of October. Access to food, water, sanitation and healthcare are fundamental human rights. The restrictions on deliveries of medical supplies and equipment have led to dire consequences, leaving those in need of medical attention at great risk. Fuel reserves, which were not permitted to be included in aid deliveries, are nearly exhausted in Gaza. The UNRWA’s Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini has said that “no fuel will further strangle the children, women and people of Gaza.”
Of further concern are the attacks on healthcare in Gaza. Such actions not only jeopardize the lives of medical professionals but also endanger countless civilians, which is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. According to a UN report on the 17th of October, there had been over 115 attacks on healthcare across Palestinian land in the preceding ten days, and this figure has increased significantly since then.
As you, Taoiseach, have consistently pointed out to your fellow EU leaders, it is our collective responsibility to address the suffering of innocent civilians who bear the brunt of conflicts beyond their control. We jointly urge the Irish government to take the following actions:
Increase diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire
Use diplomatic channels to try to ensure long-term unobstructed and safe delivery routes for lifesaving humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza including medical supplies and equipment. This must also include fuel as it is vital to the functioning of the health system in Gaza.
Further increase financial support for humanitarian organisations working in Palestine, particularly those focused on healthcare and medical assistance.
Continue to publicly condemn any breaches of international law such as attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, calling for thorough investigations and the accountability of those responsible.
Continue to advocate at the international level for a long-term peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
By taking these collective actions, the Irish government can play a pivotal role in upholding human rights, alleviating suffering in Gaza, and advancing the cause of peace and justice in the region. We firmly believe that Ireland, with its longstanding commitment to human rights and humanitarian values, has the potential to make a significant positive impact. Thank you for your attention on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
