NZCPHM Statement on conflict in Gaza

The NZCPHM condemns the ongoing violence in Gaza, and the attacks on civilians and health-care infrastructure. We note with concern the dire impacts on public health in Gaza attributable to an inability to provide basic health-care services combined with a lack of access to fundamental determinants of health such as sanitation, clean water, adequate nutrition, and vaccines. We note, with concern, that the level of destruction is so great the harm will be intergenerational.

We call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, and for all parties to the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law, notably the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, to guarantee the safety of civilians and health-care facilities. We reiterate the findings of the International Court of Justice regarding the need to take steps to prevent the risk of genocide. This includes allowing prompt and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza including food, clean water, sanitation, shelter, fuel and electricity, medical supplies, medicines, vaccines, and medical, surgical, mental health and psychosocial care to those in need.

See our Statement on Armed Conflict here.

Update (August 2025)

The NZCPHM remains gravely concerned about the worsening conditions in Gaza, including failures to adequately protect civilians and health infrastructure amid ongoing conflicts. We acknowledge the heightened risks of famine, malnutrition,disease outbreaks, injuries, and death due to population displacement, overcrowding, and poor access to aid. 

We note NZ is a signatory to the Joint Foreign Minister’s Statement on Gaza which condemned the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision on 8^th August, 2025, to launch an additional military offensive in Gaza and called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas. We appreciate the support that is being provided by NZ to the humanitarian response however,  we believe more must be done, with urgency, to end this crisis.  

We align with the-joint public statement of the European Public Health Alliance, the European Public Health Association, and the World Federation of Public Health Associations which calls for governments, international institutions and donors to:

1. Secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire and ensure unfettered humanitarian and media access to Gaza
2. Call on the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and relevant UN bodies to accelerate their ongoing investigation into violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by all parties
3. Prioritise the protection and restoration of public health systems and social infrastructure
4. Measure and address the full scale of the public health impacts, including:
   • Widespread physical and psychological trauma, including among children
   • Exacerbation of chronic diseases due to disruption of care and medications
   • Collapse of maternal, newborn and child health services
   • Emergence and spread of infectious diseases, exacerbated by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the breakdown of vaccination programmes
   • Environmental health threats from rubble, unexploded ordnance, and lack of clean water
   • Mass displacement and deterioration of food and nutrition security

We reiterate our call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

We call for urgent investigation into and action against serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including genocide, to ensure accountability for all parties and prevent further health crises in Gaza.