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Introduction

Since 7 October 2023, the escalating crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory has caused large numbers of civilian deaths, injuries and harm, including to children and young people and health workers and those providing aid. As a College, we are deeply concerned by the situation facing the region. 

RCPCH’s role is fundamentally to advocate for the best interests of children and paediatricians around the world, whoever they are and wherever they may be. We aim to do so without engaging in political commentary or judgement.

We have put together this page with resources and links that RCPCH members may wish to read, use and take forward. We have aimed to identify a range of resources that will be useful to paediatricians. 

RCPCH is not responsible for these organisations and this signposting resource is therefore not intended to be viewed necessarily as endorsement. We remain committed to listening and learning, and this page will be reviewed regularly, and additional links may be added in due course.

RCPCH action

In October 2023, we published our statement responding to the deteriorating situation in the region. We wrote to then Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the Rt Hon James Cleverly, in October 2023 calling on the UK to use diplomatic channels to call for the prioritisation and protection of children and young people whoever they are and wherever they may be in this conflict.

In November 2023, we wrote to the Rt Hon Lord Cameron, as he stepped into the role of Secretary of State, highlighting our deep concerns.

In March 2024, we called for action from the international community. We responded to concerns raised by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Partnership that 1.1 million people in Gaza were experiencing catastrophic food insecurity and that famine was imminent.

In April 2024, our newly elected President Professor Steve Turner wrote again to Lord Cameron to advocate for the children and young people, their families and those providing healthcare and aid in the region.

In November 2024, we published a new statement continuing to call for the protection of children and young people in the Middle East. We also wrote to the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon David Lammy, to encourage him to use all diplomatic channels to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children caught up in the conflict while ensuring a significant increase in humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Statements from other paediatric organisations

Across the world, paediatric organisations raised their concerns about the Middle East crisis, including:  

Action you may wish to take

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with partners to address the most urgent health needs in the region. More information on its operational response plan and public health situation analysis and situation reports is available on the

Donating time or money

Donating through established and well-coordinated emergency response appeal mechanisms is an effective way to support people.

•  - works to support the wider Jewish charitable sector and are a source of information on the range of activity that may be taking place

Highlighting your own views

You may wish to write to your MP to express your views. You can .

Support on looking after yourself during times of difficulty  

If you or your family are impacted directly 

For those who are directly affected by the situation, because either you or a loved one live in the region you might find the following websites useful:

• – support and information for people affected by the crisis in Palestine

Hate crimes

Recent news reports show that people are experiencing hate crimes in different parts of the UK relating to the crisis in Israel Palestine. A , can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and damage to property.

Should you be subjected to an act of hate crime you can report this online or call 101 to speak to the police. Call 999 if you’re reporting a crime that’s in progress or if someone is in immediate danger. Witnesses can also report a hate crime.

There are several national organisations that offer support to victims of hate crime. They provide services such as helplines, guidance, confidential safety advice and training. Some may be able to report a hate crime on a victim’s behalf.

Maintaining your health and wellbeing

Your wellbeing is an absolute priority. Remember you can find out more on our wellbeing pages, and below there are a range of links to help you manage your own health and wellbeing.

• England:  - with ‘support now’, ‘health and wellbeing programmes’ and ‘how-to guides’
• Scotland:  - for everyone working in health, social care and social work in Scotland, with ideas on how to stay well
• Wales:  is available 24 hours a day to listen and provide support. Call 0800 132737 or text ‘Help’ to 81066. For urgent mental health support call NHS 111 and press option 2, this is a free 24 hour line that anyone can use, in English or in Welsh. Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has a . 
• Northern Ireland:  has resources and directory of mental health local support. within each health and social care trust area.

Clinical support and guidance

Working in fragile and conflict-affected states - As a College, we have a mandate in our mission statement to support improving child health in the UK and around the world. RCPCH Global’s strategic plan includes explicit commitment to work in the poorest countries. Many low-income countries are also classified as ‘fragile and/or conflict-affected’. Our position may be helpful to read. You can read more about our global child health programmes.

Rights of migrant, refugee, stateless and undocumented children - our position (2019) – Our noting that as outlined in the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has the right to voice, protection, health and education. We urge all states to recognise and realise their obligation to children's access to healthcare.