‘Shameful’ BMA calls for ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza as hardline union behind NHS strikes accuses Israel of disregarding ‘international humanitarian law’

The British Medical Association has been slammed by its own doctors as ‘shameful’ after it published an open letter urging the Government to call for an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza.

In a letter addressed to Foreign Secretary David Cameron, the hardline union accused Israel of disregarding ‘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 necessities’ and added that there had been ‘damages to hundreds of medical facilities’ in Gaza.

In a letter addressed to Foreign Secretary David Cameron, the hardline union accused Israel of disregarding ‘international humanitarian law’ and ‘the principles of medical neutrality’. Pictured: Damage to buildings in Rafah, Gaza

But members of the BMA have widely condemned the controversial letter and warned the group may be ‘alienating its Jewish members’.

Critics of the union have argued it is hypocritical of the doctors trade union – which should be focusing on domestic issues and the rights of British doctors – to comment on geopolitical issues.

Responding to the open letter, Professor of Renal Medicine at Imperial College, Liz Lightsone said: ‘Ashamed to be a member of the BMA after all these years.

‘Clearly the BMA is hoping to alienate its Jewish members.’

She added: ‘Have you checked how many Jewish members have left the BMA because of your biassed focus on one conflict? I know of many; all of whom you’ve failed to reply to.’

Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Jon Goldin added: ‘I resigned from the BMA today after over 30 years as a member. This letter is far from ‘medical neutrality’.’

Marc Wittenberg, a consultant anaesthetist said: ‘This is completely shameful from the BMA.

‘Neutrality is a farce when the statement fails to mention the hostages still being held in Gaza and the brutal and inhuman butchery, rape and torture that started on October 7th.’

Consultant Respiratory Physician Paul Pfeffer commented: ‘A truly neutral statement would acknowledge the horrors being felt by people on both sides of the conflict.

Early last year the BMA was criticised for pushing for extreme strike action and pay rises of up to 30 per cent 

‘So shame on you BMA for a statement that is far from neutral.’

Early last year the BMA was criticised for pushing for extreme strike action and pay rises of up to 30 per cent.

Last year, deputy chairman of the junior doctors’ committee Dr Martin Whyte was suspended from his role at the BMA after he joked about gassing ‘the Jews’ in a shocking tweet.

He also promoted videos which claimed the Holocaust was a hoax.

A BMA spokesman said: ‘There is no contradiction in raising grave concerns about a humanitarian and healthcare crisis overseas and protecting doctors in the UK from discrimination and harassment. 

‘The BMA stands unequivocally against antisemitism and discrimination of any kind, whether that’s based on religion, race, nationality or political beliefs.

‘It is wrong to take a specific letter in isolation, given all that we have said on the conflict so far, including in our comprehensive position statement that is referenced in the letter to Lord Cameron. 

‘It is not only incorrect, but irresponsible to suggest that we have not spoken out forcefully on the appalling attack by Hamas and the taking of Israeli hostages.

‘The BMA absolutely wants to see the release of all hostages unharmed, and has consistently called for this, including in our position statement and in our initial response to the October attack.

‘The letter to Lord Cameron focuses specifically on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the unique and severe impact this is having on the health of civilians, healthcare services and healthcare staff working there.

‘It also clearly calls for an immediate ceasefire and respect for international law, which applies to both parties in the conflict. The taking of hostages is in direct contravention of the Geneva Conventions, and therefore we continue to call for their release.

‘More broadly, as a professional association, the BMA has a long history of campaigning on human rights issues both in the UK and around the world and has longstanding policy on preserving medical impartiality in conflicts and upholding international law.

‘We remain in contact with various representative bodies and seriously consider all concerns raised with us.’