S. Africa Medical Association cuts ties with Israel counterpart, urges global suspension

CAPE TOWN: The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has announced its decision to "immediately suspend all professional and bilateral relations" with the Israeli Medical Association (IMA), citing grave concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and alleged breaches of international medical ethics, Xinhua reported.

In a statement issued on Saturday, SAMA, which represents doctors across South Africa, said it would also press for the IMA's suspension from the World Medical Association (WMA).

SAMA said that these decisions, adopted on Oct 3 following what it described as "extensive consultations," reflect the association's view that the IMA has failed to uphold "international medical ethics and humanitarian obligations" in the context of the conflict.

The announcement came shortly after Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and the detention of its participants in international waters as they attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In the statement, SAMA said that its decisions would remain in effect until the IMA took "public and verifiable actions," including demanding the release of detained Palestinian medical personnel, condemning the destruction of Gaza's healthcare system, denouncing the use of starvation as a policy and the blockade of essential medical supplies, and taking active measures to ensure adequate medical care for all individuals under Israeli control.

"These resolutions reflect SAMA's commitment to upholding medical ethics, human rights, and the sanctity of healthcare work in conflict situations," the organisation said, adding that its stance aligns with the principles of the WMA and international humanitarian law.

-- BERNAMA