Media coverage of Israel's assault in Gaza has mostly focused on those killed and injured by bombs and bullets, and more recently, on the spread of infectious diseases due to the severe water shortages and the destruction of critical infrastructure (14). However, tobacco use is an important aspect of a public health crisis that has been unfolding under the shadows of war, and will have severe and long-lasting consequences unless it is addressed.
I should perhaps have mentioned that Tom Gatehouse's
role at Bath University is as a research assistant for the Bloomberg-funded conspiracy website Tobacco Tactics.
The tobacco industry thrives during times of crisis and chaos (11). In recent years, it has exploited conflict situations
in countries like Ukraine and Sudan (11-13), yet the harm due to
tobacco use often tends to be overlooked in such contexts.
That is because most people have a sense of perspective, Tom.
Tobacco control in the State of Palestine has long been in need of reinforcement. Its tobacco control laws have not been updated since 2011 (27) and implementation of WHO’s recommended tobacco control strategies has not been comprehensive (1).
Yes, that's what's been holding it back.
Although strengthening tobacco control may appear far-fetched in the current scenario, Israel’s military offensive may in fact have brought the State of Palestine closer to joining international legal frameworks, including the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
Finally, some hope for this benighted region!
The appalling suffering in Gaza has generated greater momentum towards recognition of a Palestinian State, with Norway, Spain and Ireland all formally recognising Palestine in 2024, bringing to 146 the number of countries that have done so. The World Health Assembly described Palestine as a State for the first time in May 2024 (28,29). The State of Palestine can leverage this international support to join the WHO FCTC and lay the foundation for a comprehensive tobacco control programme, as part of the wider effort to rebuild its now-ruined healthcare system.
I'm sure that will one of the top priorities of the government run by *checks notes* Hamas.
What this place needs is some graphic warnings and some above-inflation hikes in tobacco duty!