WHEREAS, as healthcare workers, we mourn the loss of life everywhere, regardless of nationality; and
WHEREAS, our organization’s mission directs us to stand, unequivocally, against oppression, discrimination, prejudice, and bias of all forms through education and action; and
WHEREAS, the Gaza Strip has had a healthcare system near the breaking point for decades. Home to millions of displaced Palestinians - half of whom are under 18 years old, the UN has long recognized the humanitarian crisis stemming from Israel’s occupation and siege of Gaza; and
WHEREAS, healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical personnel, have been disproportionately impacted by violence and have endured injury and death in the course of fulfilling their duties to patients and each other; and
WHEREAS, according to eyewitness accounts provided by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), multiple hospitals and health centers were attacked by Israeli bombers. Already under severe pressure with the number of injured, hospitals are now being told to evacuate all of their patients, or face additional violence; and,
WHEREAS, we believe it is imperative that U.S. policymakers take measures to immediately de-escalate the violence to prevent the further loss of civilian life; an
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP) calls for a ceasefire to prevent the further loss of life; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that OFNHP calls for Oregon congressional delegation members to co-sponsor the #CeasefireNOW House Resolution to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and Palestine; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that OFNHP calls on all parties to prioritize the protection of all civilians, including by urgently securing the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza and working to secure the release of hostages and prisoners; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that OFNHP urges all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law.