ONA joins call for peace and safe access to health care in Israel and Palestine conflict
October 25, 2023
The Ontario Nurses’ Association is echoing the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, the World Health Professions Alliance (including the International Council of Nurses) and many more in the call for peace and a stop to the violation of international humanitarian law occurring in the Israel and Palestine conflict.
We support the Nurses for Peace campaign and affirm that access to health care is a human right, and any attack on health-care workers and the patients they serve is unacceptable and a violation of international law.
ONA joins our allies urging the federal government to support a ceasefire to halt the extreme level of suffering in the region and allow for humanitarian aid, and access to safe health care and basic necessities to be restored.
Many ONA members have watched in horror at the widespread civilian suffering and death, including children, health-care workers and their patients. Millions of people have been subjected to sustained denial of access to basic necessities, and the safe provision of humanitarian aid, causing undue human suffering.
As a diverse workforce in a diverse province, ONA members and staff have been feeling heartbreak, horror and are deeply impacted by the devastation and violence occurring. We grieve the lives lost and condemn all targeting of civilians - a violation of international law.
As a union of nurses and health-care professionals, ONA is expressing solidarity with the health-care workers providing care in extraordinary circumstances, many of whom have refused to leave patients to seek their own safety.
Now is the time for all Ontarians to show our compassion for each other, our colleagues and community members who are impacted by the conflict, and stand against antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate at home and abroad.
For more information, visit the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions: https://nursesunions.ca/canadian-nurses-unions-call-to-protect-access-to-health-care-in-israel-and-palestine-conflict/
