Responses to the Gaza-Israel Conflict by Specialty Medical Societies

Abstract

This cross-sectional study evaluates the statements and actions of medical and surgical societies recognized by the Council of Medical Specialty Societies regarding the Gaza-Israel conflict.

Introduction

The Gaza-Israel conflict has caused catastrophic damage to health care infrastructure, with hospitals, clinics, and medical supply chains severely disrupted. Reports from organizations such as the United Nations, World Health Organization, and International Committee of the Red Cross highlight the devastating impact on critical health care services.^1,2,3 This crisis underscores the need for a coordinated response to address both immediate and long-term health challenges, including mental health care, infectious disease control, and maternal and child health services.

Medical societies recognized by the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) (Box) are in a unique position to lead during response to such crises. Historically, medical societies not only set care standards for the profession, but also play a pivotal role in addressing global humanitarian emergencies by raising awareness, advocating for affected populations, organizing medical mission work, and providing resources and training for local health care professionals.^4,5 Examples include their responses to conflicts in Syria, natural disasters like the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic, where they mobilized expertise, supplies, and educational initiatives.^4,5 This study examines the statements and actions of CMSS-recognized medical and surgical societies regarding the Gaza-Israel conflict and which organizations have used their platforms to address the crisis.

Box. List of Societies Formally Recognized by the Council of Medical Specialty Societies Included in the Analysis.

• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

• American Academy of Dermatology

• American Academy of Family Physicians

• American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine

• American Academy of Neurology

• American Academy of Ophthalmology

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

• American Academy of Pediatrics

• American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

• American Association of Clinical Endocrinology

• American College of Cardiology

• American College of Chest Physicians

• American College of Emergency Physicians

• American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

• American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

• American College of Physicians

• American College of Preventive Medicine

• American College of Radiology

• American College of Rheumatology

• American College of Surgeons

• American Epilepsy Society

• American Gastroenterological Association

• American Geriatrics Society

• American Medical Informatics Association

• American Psychiatric Association

• American Society of Addiction Medicine

• American Society of Anesthesiologists

• American Society of Clinical Oncology

• American Society for Clinical Pathology

• American Society of Breast Surgeons

• American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons

• American Society of Hematology

• American Society of Nephrology

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons

• American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

• American Society for Radiation Oncology

• American Society for Reproductive Medicine

• American Thoracic Society

• American Urological Association

• College of American Pathologists

• Infectious Diseases Society of America

• North American Spine Society

• Obesity Medicine Association

• Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine

• Society for Vascular Surgery

• Society of Critical Care Medicine

• Society of General Internal Medicine

• Society of Gynecologic Oncology

• Society of Hospital Medicine

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, statement refers to any formal acknowledgment on the organizations’ official websites. We analyzed public statements and resources released by CMSS-recognized societies from November 1, 2023, to July 10, 2024. Informed consent and institutional review board approval were not required in accordance with 45 CFR §46 because the study used publicly available data. This study adheres to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) reporting guidelines.

We searched the organizations’ websites for hyperlinks that included the terms statement, Gaza, Israel, Palestine, conflict, resources, and volunteers. This search was also applied to their partner journals, where the journals’ online archives and recent publications were reviewed. Each organization’s published statements, publication in partner journals, resources provided, calls for volunteers, and outreach efforts were recorded.

Primary end points included the presence of official statements regarding the Gaza-Israel conflict. Secondary end points included publications regarding the conflict in partner journals, provision of resources, and any calls for volunteers or outreach efforts.

Results

Of the 53 medical and surgical societies included in the analysis, 13 societies (24.5%) had statements regarding the Gaza-Israel conflict on their websites, while 40 societies (75.5%) did not. Four societies (7.5%) had publications regarding the conflict in their partner journals. Five societies (9.4%) shared information about organizations in Israel and Palestine to which people can donate. One society (1.9%) issued a call for volunteers, and 1 society (1.9%) provided resources to medical practitioners in the region (Figure).

Figure. Percentage of the 53 Council of Medical Specialty Societies–Recognized Societies Displaying Each Element on Their Website.

Discussion

Given the historical role of medical societies during a crisis, the findings from this cross-sectional study suggest an ongoing need to leverage their positions. The Gaza-Israel conflict represents an ongoing health crisis with profound implications for health care systems, health care professionals, and vulnerable populations. Although we are limited due to a lack of access to CMSS-recognized societies’ private website communications to members, our study revealed that 24.5% of societies issued a public statement on the Gaza-Israel conflict. Medical societies have historically demonstrated their ability to advocate for health equity during conflicts and humanitarian emergencies, such as the war in Ukraine, the crises in Myanmar, and the aftermath of the Iraq invasion.⁶ The study is limited in that it focuses on a single conflict and does not have comparative data of medical specialty society statements for other conflicts. In addition, the direct effect of statements or actions to mitigate the devastating health impacts of armed conflict is unknown and deserves further research.

International frameworks, such as the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Geneva, emphasize the role of the medical community in safeguarding health and dignity during crises. By engaging in advocacy, education, and resource mobilization, medical societies can play a pivotal role in addressing the immediate and long-term consequences of war on health systems.

Supplement.

Data Sharing Statement