Gaza: A campaign urging doctors and healthcare workers across the United States to resign their membership in the American Medical Association (AMA) and cease paying membership dues has gained traction. The movement protests what is viewed as the AMA's insufficient response to Israel's military actions in Gaza and the detention of Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the campaign is being promoted by groups such as the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), CODEPINK, and Doctors Against Genocide. These organizations are pressing the AMA to adopt a more robust stance concerning the treatment of Palestinian healthcare workers.
The campaign's demands include calls for the AMA to divest from investments associated with Israel or those believed to support the conflict in Gaza. Additionally, a petition has been launched urging the association to leverage its influence to secure the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya.
Organizers argue that the AMA has not taken adequate action reflective of the dire conditions facing medical workers in Palestine. They contend that ongoing membership fees provide a financial leverage point that can be used to press the association to alter its policies and positions.
The campaign aims to transition the pressure on the AMA from mere protests, statements, and appeals towards more impactful economic and institutional actions by encouraging healthcare professionals to reconsider their memberships and dues. This initiative calls for more effective measures to protect Palestinian medical personnel.
The campaign emerges amidst increasing calls within US medical communities for intervention regarding the conditions in Gaza's healthcare system and the safeguarding of medical workers, in alignment with international humanitarian law.