Humanitarianism and Public Health

The IMA President has requested detailed information from the Chief Medical Officer regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, Director of the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza. For the Full Text (PDF File)

In response to ongoing remarks by MK Moshe Saada targeting Arab physicians in Israel, the IMA President rejects his claims as inaccurate and harmful. The letter clarifies that there is no affirmative action favoring Arab students in medical schools, presents data disproving allegations of preferential admissions, and highlights the essential integration of Arab physicians in Israel’s healthcare system. The IMA emphasizes that the healthcare system must remain a model of equality and coexistence, free from political incitement. For the Full Text

We demand clear and explicit confirmation that physicians will not participate in any committee regarding the release of hostages, if established, nor in decisions on the matter. Furthermore, they must not be required to provide opinions on who should be released.

Should such clarification not be provided, we will be compelled to instruct our physicians to refrain from any involvement on this issue. For the Full Text

As reiterated since the outbreak of the war, the IMA upholds internationally accepted ethical principles and insists on respect for humanitarian law: refraining from the use of medical facilities as military or terrorist compounds, and avoiding harm to medical personnel, healthcare institutions, or emergency vehicles—except in cases where they are exploited as bases for terrorist activity. For the Full Text

Hospitals are places of care and compassion, not punishment. Physicians have a duty to preserve the dignity, privacy, and health of every individual.

While we acknowledge the complex security situation currently facing the country, alternative security measures (such as additional security personnel) should always be prioritized. Shackling must be considered only as a last resort, when no other option is available, and even then applied in the most minimal and proportionate manner necessary. For the Full Text

Following the arrest of Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, alongside international allegations of unlawful detention, torture, and the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system, the IMA President formally requests concrete information regarding Dr. Abu Safiya’s condition and status. For the Full Text (PDF File)

Following several incidents of demonstrations in front of public hospitals in Israel protesting the treatment of Hamas militants, the Chair of the Ethics Committee has addressed hospital directors to reaffirm and emphasize the unwavering ethical commitment of physicians to treat all patients without discrimination. For the Full Text (PDF File)

Following recent reports, the IMA has been made aware of allegations of unethical treatment and behavior toward prisoners at the Sde Teiman facility. For the Full Text (PDF File)
 

In response to recent statements made by the Minister of Health, the Israeli Medical Association emphasizes its position on the issue of medical treatment for Gazan civilians and/or militants. For the Full Text

Following a request from the President of the World Medical Association (WMA), the IMA President appeals for the evacuation of Dr. Mahmoud Matar from Gaza to receive medical treatment either in Israel or Kuwait. For the Full Text (PDF File)

The IMA Ethics Bureau updated its position on the treatment of restrained prisoners and detainees in hospitals, emphasizing the physician’s ethical duty to protect dignity, privacy, and health. The paper reaffirms that restraints during medical care must not be routine and should only be used when no alternative exists. Physicians are urged to intervene if restraints endanger a patient’s physical or mental well-being, and they must refuse participation in any treatment involving disproportionate or unauthorized restraint methods. For the Full Text