The British Medical Association has been branded ‘shameful’ by its own doctors after publishing an open letter urging the government to call for an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza.
In a letter to Foreign Secretary David Cameron, the hardline union accused Israel of ignoring “international humanitarian law” and “the principles of medical neutrality.”
They claimed that the “Israeli blockade of Gaza has led to an inexcusable shortage of basic needs,” adding that there was “damage to hundreds of medical facilities” in Gaza.
In a letter to Foreign Secretary David Cameron, the hardline union accused Israel of ignoring “international humanitarian law” and “the principles of medical neutrality.” In the photo: Damage to buildings in Rafah, Gaza
But members of the BMA have widely condemned the controversial letter, warning that the group “could alienate its Jewish members.”
Critics of the union have argued that it is hypocritical for the doctors’ union – which should be focusing on domestic issues and the rights of British doctors – to comment on geopolitical issues.
Responding to the open letter, Liz Lightsone, professor of renal medicine at Imperial College, said: ‘Ashamed to be a member of the BMA after all these years.
‘It is clear that the BMA hopes to alienate its Jewish members.’
She added: “Have you checked how many Jewish members left the BMA because of your biased focus on one conflict? I know many; to whom you have not answered.”
Jon Goldin, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, added: “I resigned from the BMA today after more than 30 years as a member. This letter is far from ‘medical neutrality’.”
Marc Wittenberg, an anesthetist, said: ‘This is completely shameful from the BMA.
“Neutrality is a farce if the statement does not mention the hostages still held in Gaza and the brutal and inhumane massacres, rapes and torture that began on October 7.”
Respiratory physician Paul Pfeffer noted: ‘A truly neutral statement would acknowledge the horrors felt by people on both sides of the conflict.
Early last year the BMA was criticized for pushing for extreme strike action and wage increases of up to 30 percent
‘So shame on you, BMA, for a statement that is far from neutral.’
Early last year, the BMA was criticized for pushing for extreme strike action and wage increases of up to 30 percent.
Last year, vice-chairman of the junior doctors’ committee, Dr Martin Whyte, was suspended from his role at the BMA after joking about gassing ‘the Jews’ in a shocking tweet.
He also promoted videos claiming the Holocaust was a hoax.
A BMA spokesperson said: ‘There is no contradiction in raising serious concerns about a humanitarian and healthcare crisis abroad and protecting doctors in Britain from discrimination and harassment.
‘The BMA is unequivocally against anti-Semitism and discrimination of any kind, whether based on religion, race, nationality or political beliefs.
‘It is wrong to consider any specific letter in isolation given everything we have said about the conflict to date, including in our comprehensive position statement referred to in the letter to Lord Cameron.
“It is not only incorrect but also irresponsible to suggest that we have not spoken out strongly about Hamas’ abhorrent attack and Israel’s hostage taking.
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“The BMA absolutely wants all hostages to be released unharmed and has consistently insisted on this, including in our position statement and in our initial response to the October attack.
‘The letter to Lord Cameron specifically addresses the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the unique and serious impact it is having on the health of citizens, healthcare services and healthcare workers working there.
“It also clearly calls for an immediate ceasefire and respect for international law, which applies to both sides in the conflict. Taking hostages is a direct violation of the Geneva Conventions, which is why we continue to call for their release.
‘More broadly, the BMA as a professional body has a long history of campaigning on human rights issues, both in Britain and around the world, and has a longstanding policy of maintaining medical impartiality in conflict and upholding of international law.
‘We maintain contact with various participation bodies and take seriously all concerns expressed to us.’