ONA calls for ceasefire and restored access to aid and health care in Gaza

The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) is renewing its call for a ceasefire in Gaza and the urgent restoration of access to humanitarian aid and health care.

The call comes as the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian crisis only appears to be worsening with each day that passes. Deeply concerning reports suggest that access to basic necessities, including food and health care, are severely limited, while humanitarian and health workers continue to face extreme conditions, with many casualties.

As nurses, health-care professionals and community members, we witness such devastation with horror and profound moral distress. ONA members and staff are deeply impacted by the devastation and violence occurring and grieve the loss of all lives. As patient advocates, we are speaking out against the reports of unimaginable conditions civilians, patients and health workers in Gaza face.

ONA is echoing repeated calls by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) for an end to hostilities, and for people in Gaza and other war zones be granted access to lifesaving aid and care. In line with the ICN’s #NursesforPeace campaign, they have condemned the ongoing and increasing targeting of health-care workers and facilities in Gaza and around the globe.

ONA urges the Canadian government to do everything in its power to achieve a ceasefire and restore access to humanitarian aid and health care. We further call on all governments to uphold international law, ensuring that civilians and health workers are protected.

As we call for peace, we renew our commitment to compassion for each other, our colleagues and community members. We must all remain steadfast in our stance against all forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia and all acts of hate and discrimination at home and abroad.

Concerned members are encouraged to write to their federal Member of Parliament (MP) and the Prime Minister to call for urgent action.