They called for immediate action to prevent the ongoing massacres in Palestine, particularly Gaza, where indiscriminate bombings have taken a devastating toll on children, women, and civilians.
The gathering comes in the wake of relentless bombings by zionist occupation regime in Gaza City, Palestine, with victims ranging from children to women and civilians.
Hospitals have not been spared in the attacks, and even doctors have lost their lives, leaving civilians without access to vital healthcare—a fundamental right upheld by international conventions.
Criticism was also directed towards the WHO, which was accused of providing mere statistical reports without taking more concrete action.
Organized by the Ankara Palestine Solidarity Platform, the press statement aimed to draw attention Nations Security Council and WHO.
The full text of the press statement is as follows:
Dear press members, dear ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we, as physicians, are gathered here to condemn an atrocity that has rarely been experienced in thousands of years of human history. There have been many wars in human history; However, an all-out, planned attack, regardless of whether they are armed, unarmed, babies, children, women or elderly, is something that only those who are dehumanized can do.
What unites Hitler and Netanyahu on the same point is the degree of their cruelty. War also has morals. As physicians, we condemn all kinds of attacks on civilians, babies, children, elderlies and defenseless people, regardless of race, religion, language, gender or nationality.
The right to life is sacred and non-negotiable. No matter what faith one belongs to, no matter what geography one lives in, we stand by life against death. Those who buried their heads in the sand when those who killed are Muslims; These people do not have any human values. We are against injustice and oppression in every geography.
We, as doctors, invite all international organizations to demand life against death, goodness against evil, prosperity against poverty, knowledge against ignorance, and unconditionally for all people.
Hundreds of thousands of Gaza's civilians are taking shelter in schools and hospitals. However, even schools and hospitals are being bombed intentionally. People are shown the evacuation route; However, bombs are dropped on them on the way to what so called a "safe zone".
According to the data from the World Health Organization, the current health situation in Gaza is as follows:
-The number of deaths in the last 18 days is more than the total number of deaths from all causes in 2022.
-The mortality rates as a result of bombardment are very high. The daily usage of medical supplies during the war is equivalent to a month of consumption before the war.
-350,000 patients with chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, cancer and others).
-There are around 1000 dialysis patients.
-There are 50,000 pregnant women, an average of 183 births per day.
-130 premature babies are dependent on incubators that need electricity to survive.
-Water and sanitation infrastructure is insufficient due to mass displacements, overcrowding of shelters, and epidemics waiting at the door.
-The mental health of defenseless people under bombardment and siege is significantly affected.
In the Middle East, where it's floating on a sea of oil, Gaza has a serious shortage of oil and electricity. This seriously impacts the most critical functions and staff capabilities in all hospitals. If fuel runs out, it will affect patients in intensive care, surgeries, newborn incubators, and ambulances.
More than 1,000 dialysis-dependent patients will not be able to receive hemodialysis. The entry/exit of humanitarian aid materials and Gazans are blocked. All medicines and medical supplies, including those required for emergency treatments, such as saline, insulin, and neonatal medicines, are running out.
There is a significant blood shortage. The Ministry of Health called for blood donations from outside the Gaza Strip. Healthcare workers cannot enter for humanitarian intervention. The exit and evacuation of sick and injured people are prevented.
In Gaza:
Health services have been severely affected. 64% (46/72) of primary healthcare facilities are not operating; this rate increases within Gaza City to (74%) and Northern Gaza to (92%). Only six out of 30 clinics operate in Gaza city and northern Gaza. 34% (12/35) of hospitals are not operating;
Currently hospital bed occupancy rate is 112% in the 7 major hospitals. The bed occupancy rate at Şifa Hospital alone reached 147%. This puts pressure on staff to free up beds for new patients, putting patient safety at risk.
55% of healthcare facilities have stopped or limited their activities due to insecurity and threats. There is significant infrastructure damage that makes movement difficult. The Israeli terrorist state issues evacuation orders from the northern Gaza Strip. Evacuation orders are impossible to carry out and endanger the lives of more than 2,000 inpatients in hospitals.
It is estimated that 1,400 people are trapped under the rubble. First aid intervention is prevented. Routine surveillance systems are currently not working, blocking effective diagnosis and response.
As Physicians, we call out to the World Health Organization:
Be more active in the face of the human tragedy. Being pro-life; Raise your voice. Be aware that the delivery of aid to needy babies, elderlies, pregnant women and the injured is prevented by the Occupying State of Israel. Civilians die every day, dead babies will not eat food!
The reason why we are here today, as physicians, with the Ankara Solidarity Platform with Palestinians is to remind us that if this massacre, the new genocide, which all the of the world do nothing but watch, is not intervened as soon as possible, the Hippocratic oath we took the day we stepped into the medical profession will lose its meaning.
With what face do we remain silent about the massacres taking place?
How will we ask doctors to swear to say "I will not permit considerations of gender, race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, nationality, or social standing to influence my duty of care"
It is not only Gaza that is dying under the bombs, it is our future. (ILKHA)