A coalition of healthcare professionals, public health activists and international medical organizations has called for the suspension of the Israeli Medical Association (IMA) from the World Medical Association (WMA), citing concerns over the destruction of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza and the treatment of Palestinian healthcare workers during the ongoing conflict. The campaign is expected to be raised at the World Medical Association General Assembly, scheduled to be held in Rotterdam in October 2026.

According to campaign organizers, more than 1,150 healthcare professionals and organizations have endorsed the petition, which seeks support from national medical associations, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA India), to formally place the issue before the WMA. The petition argues that the Israeli Medical Association has failed to adequately respond to allegations concerning attacks on healthcare infrastructure and medical personnel during the Gaza conflict.

The campaign has received endorsements from several international organizations, including the People’s Health Movement, Doctors for Gaza, and the Health Advisory Council of Jewish Voice for Peace. The petition references reports documenting the destruction of hospitals, attacks on healthcare facilities and the detention or deaths of medical personnel in Gaza and calls for greater accountability within the global medical community.

According to figures cited by campaign organizers and international humanitarian groups, more than 1,700 healthcare workers have reportedly been killed in Gaza since October 2023, while numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities have sustained severe damage or ceased operations. Humanitarian agencies and United Nations experts have repeatedly warned that the collapse of healthcare infrastructure poses a significant threat to civilian health and access to essential medical services.

The petition calls on the World Medical Association to examine whether the Israeli Medical Association has fulfilled its obligations under international medical ethics frameworks, including the Declaration of Geneva and other professional standards governing the protection of healthcare workers and medical neutrality during armed conflict. The campaign also urges national medical associations to advocate for disciplinary action if violations of professional ethical obligations are established.

The World Medical Association, which represents physicians and national medical associations worldwide, has historically served as a global body responsible for promoting medical ethics, professional standards and healthcare advocacy. The issue is expected to generate significant debate ahead of the organization’s upcoming General Assembly in Rotterdam.

Public health experts note that the protection of healthcare workers, hospitals and medical infrastructure during armed conflict is governed by international humanitarian law and remains a fundamental principle of global health governance. They emphasize that maintaining medical neutrality and safeguarding access to healthcare services are essential components of humanitarian response and public health protection during conflicts.

The petition highlights the increasing role of healthcare professionals and public health organizations in international humanitarian advocacy and underscores the broader debate surrounding medical ethics, accountability and the protection of healthcare systems in conflict zones.