The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza is rapidly becoming one of the worst humanitarian crises and cases of famine documented in this century. 1 2 Nearly the entire civilian population is at risk, as access to humanitarian aid, including water, food, and essential medicines, is being blocked by Israeli forces. These fundamental needs must be protected and ensured in all contexts, regardless of conflict. 3 4
The long-standing conflict, further intensified since October 2023, has led to an unprecedented toll on civilians’ physical and psychological well-being, undermining their safety, dignity and basic human rights. 5 6
“As medical students, we call for an immediate halt to this humanitarian crisis and the escalating famine. In accordance with humanitarian law, we urge the Israeli government to allow unrestricted and timely delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. We also call for the release of all hostages without delay, to drive the way toward a peaceful resolution,” said Angelo Moreno, President of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA).
This prolonged conflict reflects a broader collapse of peace and a deepening polarisation that continues to destabilise the region. Since May 2024, border closures have prevented the safe movement of people, with only a limited number of patients evacuated despite the collapse of the healthcare system. 7 The denial of access to healthcare and essential resources has consequences that extend far beyond the battlefield, endangering future generations and threatening the very fabric of peace and humanity.
The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on the medical student community. In Gaza, more than 28 medical students have tragically lost their lives, and over 1500 students have been forced to abandon their studies, either temporarily or permanently. The entire population of medical students has been forced to face displacement from their homes and universities, often without access to the resources or support needed to continue their academic journey. Additionally, hospitals and healthcare institutions have suffered significant damage or collapse, and the safety of health professionals is under constant threat.
The cost of war must never be carried by civilians, particularly the most vulnerable. The international community must act urgently to uphold humanitarian law, protect human dignity, and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
References:
- United Nations News. Famine is already present in parts of Gaza, UN expert warns. Published 30 July 2025. Available at: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165517
- World Food Programme (WFP). UN agencies warn key food and nutrition indicators exceed famine thresholds in Gaza. Published 25 June 2025. Available at: https://www.wfp.org/news/un-agencies-warn-key-food-and-nutrition-indicators-exceed-famine-thresholds-gaza
- World Health Organization (WHO). People in Gaza starving, sick and dying as aid blockade continues. Published 12 May 2025. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/12-05-2025-people-in-gaza-starving–sick-and-dying-as-aid-blockade-continues
- World Food Programme (WFP). Statement on WFP aid operations in Gaza. Published 6 March 2024. Available at: https://www.wfp.org/news/statement-wfp-aid-operations-gaza
- United Nations News. Gaza: Hamas and Israel committed war crimes, claims independent rights probe. Published 12 June 2024. Available at: https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/06/1150946
- United Nations Human Rights Council. Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. A/HRC/59/26. Published 12 June 2024. Available at: https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/59/26
Medical evacuation from Gaza: Thousands need care no longer available in the Strip – occupied Palestinian territory [Internet]. ReliefWeb. 2025. Available at : https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/medical-evacuation-gaza-thousands-need-care-no-longer-available-strip
