In the face of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, BDA members feel strongly that their professional body and trade union should not stay silent on matters regarding access to aid including nutrition, hydration and medicines.
Over two million people are currently facing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. People are dying because of starvation, dehydration and disease, as a result of the lack of access to food, water and medication, which are basic human rights. Without aid reaching those in desperate need, there will be more deaths, which the BDA believes are entirely preventable.
The blockade of aid and humanitarian supplies must be brought to an immediate end. Whilst we acknowledge the work the UK government has already done in signing the “Joint donor statement on humanitarian aid to Gaza” and issuing a “Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank”, the BDA is specifically calling on the government to demand an end to the weaponisation of aid.
The government must act now to ensure the immediate lifting of the blockade in Gaza and the full, safe passage of humanitarian aid by international humanitarian organisations. The BDA has written to the government to share this message on behalf of its members.
As a trade union, the BDA stands in solidarity with the health and care professionals and trade unionists in Gaza and other territories who are continuing to work under the most severe and inhumane duress.