RCGP writes to Foreign Secretary on healthcare crisis in Gaza

RCGP Chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne has this morning written to Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, calling for action to address the escalating healthcare crisis in Gaza. You can read the full letter below.

Dear Secretary of State,

Over 18 months ago I wrote to your predecessor, Lord Cameron, urging him to use the Government's diplomatic leverage to take urgent action in response to the escalating healthcare crisis in Gaza.

Since then, as you know well and have acknowledged, the situation has very significantly deteriorated, with devastating consequences for civilians, particularly in Gaza. In this situation, medical workers are striving to deliver care in the most dire circumstances and at very considerable risk of injury and loss of life.

As a Medical Royal College with 54,000 members that is dedicated to encouraging, fostering and maintaining the highest possible standards of general practice in the UK and worldwide, we continue to be profoundly concerned about the impact of the conflict on Gaza's health services and those working to provide medical aid.

We were all appalled by the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023 and recognise Israel's right to defend itself. However, this right must be exercised in accordance with international humanitarian law, protecting civilians and medical facilities.

The current situation in Gaza is nothing short of catastrophic. By almost all accounts, Gaza's healthcare infrastructure, including primary care facilities, has been decimated, with medical professionals working under extreme conditions. We know this is a concern you share; indeed, you have condemned attacks on healthcare facilities, describing them as 'deplorable'. And it is not just the impact of direct attacks, but the aftermath with communicable diseases running rife, and malnutrition widespread. The severe lack of essential supplies has only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

As such, we urge the UK government to:

• ensure all parties respect and protect medical professionals and their families, facilities, and patients, in accordance with international humanitarian law.  
• press for the immediate opening of border crossings to allow the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, food, and clean water. 
• continue to use whatever diplomatic channels are available to you to advocate for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.

I urge you to leverage your influence to pressure all parties to immediately halt the hostilities devastating Gaza's health services and deliver on the above actions in order to prevent further suffering, loss of civilian life and spread of disease.

Yours sincerely

Professor Kamila Hawthorne

Chair, Royal College of General Practitioners

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.