FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
Statement from APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD
"For more than 15 months, world leaders, advocates and public health officials have called for a release of the hostages and a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza. We thank the Biden administration and our international partners for their persistent efforts to end the deadly conflict and gain the release of the hostages. We are pleased the Biden negotiation team worked closely with members of the incoming Trump administration, keeping them informed and involved in the process, and we urge the incoming administration to work to ensure the details outlined in the agreement are fully achieved in an urgent and timely manner.
The war has led to unimaginable pain for families stuck in the middle of this conflict as their communities have been destroyed and they have witnessed the death of family members and other loved ones in their communities While we are relieved to see a peace agreement which includes the release of the hostages and a ceasefire, we must reiterate the devastating effects of war and how it threatens the health of those who are subjected to the associated violence, hunger, unsanitary conditions, loss of shelter and the health systems meant to care for them.
APHA has a long history of working to assure all people have the opportunity to live safe and healthy lives and believes that violence of any kind is rarely the moral or just way to settle disputes. Recognizing the massive public health consequences of war, APHA adopted a policy statement in November 2009 on The Role of Public Health Practitioners, Academics, and Advocates in Relation to Armed Conflict and War. World leaders must consider what violence does to those on the front lines, innocent men, women, and children, and public health and medical professionals tasked with caring for the wounded.
Our thoughts are with those innocents who have lost children, parents, entire families, friends and other loved ones during this crisis. We know that their lives, health and communities will be altered forever.
While this ceasefire agreement and release of hostages is a critical and significant step in bringing this phase of the war to an end, all sides must ensure an immediate and expedited surge of robust and unimpeded humanitarian aid. We look to those directly and indirectly involved, including the U.S. government, to work together to implement this deal and work tirelessly to swiftly address the severe aftermath of this conflict.
Lastly, let’s make today the beginning of years and hopefully decades of peace and improved health for all people in the region."
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The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.