As neonatologists, perinatologists and healthcare professionals dedicated to the protection of newborns and the most vulnerable members of society, we express our profound concern and moral outrage at the ongoing war in Gaza—and Israeli’s Government decision to continue military operations despite the immense humanitarian catastrophe already unfolding.
We strongly condemn this decision, which comes at a time when thousands of children, including countless newborns, have already died or suffered irreparable harm. The war, which began on October 7, 2023, in response to Hamas’ terrorist attack, has also devastated Gaza’s healthcare system: hospitals and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have been bombed, evacuated, or left without electricity, oxygen, incubators, or essential medical supplies. Premature and sick infants are dying not from illness, but from the destruction of the very systems meant to save them.
The continuation of this war is incompatible with international humanitarian law, medical ethics, and the most fundamental principles of human dignity. The deliberate or collateral destruction of healthcare infrastructure, including maternity wards and NICUs, must stop immediately.
We call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire from both parties, the protection of all medical facilities, and unimpeded humanitarian access to provide emergency medical care and supplies for the civilians of Gaza—especially its newborns and children.
No political objective can justify the death of a child. We urge governments, institutions, and individuals to act with urgency and humanity—before more innocent lives are lost.
Corrado Moretti, UENPS President
Esin Koç, UENPS Vice President
Ola D. Saugstad, Chair of the Scientific Board
UENPS Executive Board