6th January 2024: HXR members attend London and online Sick from Genocide vigils

Posted by: Hils - Posted on:

HXR members joined other health workers at the Sick from Genocide vigil in Parliament Square. The vigil, in response to the killing of hundreds of health workers in Gaza and the targeting and destruction of hospitals demanded that the UK government:

  • Ends military aid to Israel
  • Calls for the release of Dr Husam Abu Safiya
  • Imposes sanctions agains the Israeli government
  • Recognises the Palestinian state
  • Ends the NHS contract with Palantir

Members who were unable to attend this event, took part in a parallel Doctors against Genocide vigil online, with medical colleagues from US, Africa, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. This event aimed to honor lives lost, stand against ongoing atrocities and demand accountability for this genocide. Speakers reported how brave health workers who are risking their lives to save others, have been targeted by the occupying forces. To date 1060 health workers have been murdered and 310 arrested. We also heard about the ongoing bombardments from sea, air and land, with 45805 Palestinians killed to date (including over 13000 children) and 109,000 injured. The current situation is truly terrible with desperate shortages of food, medicine and shelter, floods, cold and contaminated water. Moving poems recognised the trauma, emotional harm and moral injury for everyone involved and our responsibility, as health professionals ourselves, to take action together and not to look away.

https://doctorsagainstgenocide.org a global coalition of healthcare workers dedicated to succeeding where global governments have failed in confronting and preventing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.