South African Medical Association cuts ties with Israeli counterpart

5/10/2025 7:42

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has announced its decision to "immediately suspend all professional and bilateral relations" with the Israeli Medical Association (IMA), citing grave concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and alleged breaches of international medical ethics.



In a statement issued on Saturday, SAMA, which represents doctors across South Africa, said it would also press for the IMA's suspension from the World Medical Association (WMA).



SAMA said that these decisions, adopted on Oct. 3 following what it described as "extensive consultations," reflect the association's view that the IMA has failed to uphold "international medical ethics and humanitarian obligations" in the context of the conflict.



The announcement came shortly after Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and the detention of its participants in international waters as they attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.