The BMA is alarmed by the Israeli Government’s imposition of new restrictions which will ban a number of international NGOs (non-governmental organisations) not registered with the Israeli Government from operating in Gaza and the West Bank, effectively ending their ability to operate in the area.

Multiple NGOs that have been operating and providing urgent and essential medical and humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank have been affected by this move, including Médecins Sans Frontières, Save the Children and Physicians for Human Rights Israel. In Gaza, where the humanitarian response has been strained and the healthcare system is functioning only partially, this measure further undermines the ability of healthcare workers to mount an effective medical response, while severing a crucial lifeline for civilians in urgent need of care.

We commend the UK Government’s swift response. The UK foreign secretary – Yvette Cooper MP – alongside foreign ministers from across the world, has called the restrictions ‘unacceptable’ and has called for their immediate reversal. The Israeli Government must uphold its obligations under international law, ensuring unimpeded access to essential humanitarian assistance.

The BMA will write to the World Medical Association about the issue and we call on the British Government to continue to engage with the Israeli Government to seek a reversal of this decision.