Statement EPH Conference and the situation in Palestine and Israel

The European Public Health (EPH) Conference stands for peace, human rights, and the protection of health for all. Public health cannot flourish where human rights are denied, where war and occupation destroy the conditions for life, and where health systems and humanitarian aid are deliberately obstructed.

In its Advisory Opinion (ICJ 2024/57, 19 July 2024), the International Court of Justice concluded that the State of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful, and that all States and international organisations are under an obligation not to recognise or assist in maintaining this situation. 

The United Nations has declared famine conditions in parts of Gaza, where deliberate restrictions on aid and the destruction of health infrastructure have created a catastrophic situation for civilians. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has determined that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

Given the conclusions of these international bodies, and consistent with the stance taken in 2022 regarding Russian state institutions, the EPH Conference will not provide a platform to representatives of Israeli state institutions or their partners while serious violations of international humanitarian law persist and the ICJ ruling remains unimplemented.

This decision does not restrict academic freedom;  it protects it. Our scientific platform cannot be used to legitimise or normalise state-led violence or propaganda.

In line with our 2022 decision regarding Russian state institutions, the EPH Conference Executive Board has decided that representatives of government bodies engaged in serious violations of international humanitarian law will not be given a platform at EPH Conference 2025.

The EPH Conference reserves the right to withdraw participation from any individual or organisation that openly supports actions or narratives contradicting these humanitarian principles.

We also reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on harassment and intimidation of any participant; respectful scientific debate is essential to academic freedom.

The EPH Conference stands in solidarity with all health workers affected by the conflict, particularly those in Gaza and across the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and reaffirms its commitment to evidence, equity, empowerment, and engagement in advancing health and peace for all. 

The decision was taken by a majority vote.