British medical professionals sound alarm over targeted violence in Gaza

The letter, signed over the past three days by 2,200 doctors, surgeons, and UK healthcare workers, including over 300 prominent consultants and surgeons and 1,100 doctors working in the National Health Service (NHS), represents one of the largest protest stances by the UK medical community regarding the Gaza war.

Addressed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with excerpts published in British media, the signatories emphasized that "what is happening in Gaza is a calculated assault on the health and future of the Palestinian people."

They stated: "Israeli forces have repeatedly and systematically destroyed critical medical equipment. Healthcare workers in Gaza and other parts of occupied Palestine have been targeted, killed, injured, detained, and tortured simply for providing medical services. These are not collateral damages but a deliberate attack on the healthcare system and the future of the Palestinian people."

The letter further reads: "In our profession, we are committed to providing care with dignity and respect for human life. These ethical and political commitments require us not only to treat illness and injury but also to prevent harm and address its root causes."

The signatory doctors have urged the UK government to "support a complete arms embargo and an immediate ceasefire, and ensure unimpeded and independent access for neutral humanitarian organizations to Gaza."

The letter also calls for opportunities for Palestinian medical students to study in the UK and for more Palestinian patients to be transferred to UK medical facilities for treatment.