Posted 16 November 2023 - 09:00
Posted 16 November 2023 - 09:00
News
Nurse leaders call for ceasefire in Gaza but MPs vote no
The RCN called for the protection of civilian lives and for aid and healthcare supplies to reach those in need in Gaza ahead of the vote on Wednesday evening
The RCN called for the protection of civilian lives and for aid and healthcare supplies to reach those in need in Gaza ahead of the vote on Wednesday evening
Nursing leaders joined calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire on Wednesday night as MPs prepared to vote on the government’s stance on the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
MPs vote against amendment calling for Gaza ceasefire
The RCN condemned the bombing of nurses, healthcare workers and patients as MPs assembled in the House of Commons on 15 November to vote on whether to support a ceasefire, put forward by the Scottish National Party (SNP).
MPs voted 293 to 125 – a majority of 168 – to reject the SNP’s amendment to the King’s Speech calling for ‘all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza. The new health and social care secretary Victoria Atkins was among those who voted against the amendment. The Labour Party’s proposed amendment calling for longer ‘humanitarian pauses’ was also rejected.
The RCN pleaded for both parties in the conflict to uphold international law and allow for an ‘immediate humanitarian’ ceasefire to protect civilian lives and allow aid to reach those in need in the area.
A spokesperson said: ‘This means they must protect access to healthcare, which is a human right, and ensure the safety of civilians and healthcare workers. We’re clear that attacks on medical facilities are a violation of international and humanitarian law.
‘We’re also calling for the immediate resumption of water, electricity, food and medical supplies into Gaza, as withholding such resources in health facilities continues to have a catastrophic impact on the delivery of care.
‘Finally, there must be an immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and the health needs of all hostages must be respected.’
RCN condemned air strike attack on hospital that killed hundreds
It comes after the college joined the International Council of Nurses and the Trades Union Congress last month to condemn the unlawful bombing of the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital – also known as the Baptist Hospital – in Gaza after hundreds of people were killed following air strikes.
The RCN reaffirmed that support services were available to all members 24/7 for anyone struggling in relation to the conflict.
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