The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has suspended all professional and bilateral relations with the Israeli Medical Association (IMA).

SAMA says in a statement that the IMA should be barred from the World Medical Association.

The association says this follows concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the conduct of the IMA with regard to international medical ethics and humanitarian obligations.

The SAMA says these resolutions will remain in effect until the IMA takes action to demand the urgent release of all detained Palestinian medical personnel and condemn the systematic destruction of Gaza's healthcare system.

SAMA has also called on the IMA to condemn the use of starvation as a policy and the blockade of essential medical supplies.

SAMA also wants the IMA to take measures to guarantee medical care for all individuals under Israeli control, including Palestinians in detention.