The Israeli Medical Association defended Israel over the Gaza genocide – it must be sanctioned

The Israeli Medical Association (IMA) faces calls for suspension from the World Medical Association (WMA) due to its alleged complicity in defending Israel's actions in Gaza since October 7. Critics argue the IMA has not only remained silent on the destruction of Gaza's healthcare system but has actively challenged international efforts to condemn Israel. The IMA responded to a petition in The Lancet, stating, "The signatories' calls to expel the IMA from the WMA seem to confuse a country's government with its medical association, an extremely dangerous precedent." The article asserts the IMA has long aligned itself with Israeli policies affecting Palestinians, including defending a medical school in an illegal settlement and complicity in the torture of Palestinian prisoners. Since October 7, the IMA has actively defended Israel's war, contesting calls for a ceasefire and accountability, and shaping global opinion in support of Israel's military efforts. While the IMA eventually made inquiries to the Israeli military regarding humanitarian conditions in Gaza under international pressure, it selectively condemned an Iranian strike on Soroka hospital in June 2025, distinguishing it from Gaza hospitals it claimed were used by Hamas.