UPDATE: A senior paediatrician at the Whittington Hospital in London, Dr. Ellen Kriesels, has been referred to a disciplinary tribunal by the General Medical Council (GMC) after publicly defending Hamas on social media. This urgent development raises serious questions about her future in the medical profession.
Dr. Kriesels has faced backlash for her controversial tweets, where she has expressed support for Hamas, labeling the organization as “oppressed resistance fighters” rather than terrorists. Her inflammatory remarks included statements suggesting that the Jewish community often portrays itself as victims, which she described as “ridiculous” and “exhausting.”
Among her remarks, she stated, “The non-civilians [being killed in Gaza] are Hamas… They should not have been killed either.” These comments have drawn widespread condemnation, leading to her referral by the GMC.
In addition to her social media activity, Dr. Kriesels has participated in several pro-Palestine protests, where she was seen holding a controversial sign that provoked further outrage. Her online actions and public statements have sparked intense debate about the boundaries of free speech within the medical community.
The tribunal hearing is scheduled for November 14, 2023, where the GMC will determine whether Dr. Kriesels can continue to practice medicine. The Whittington NHS Health Trust has confirmed that she is not currently scheduled to work and emphasized their commitment to non-discrimination and the care of their community.
A spokesperson stated, “There is no place at Whittington Health for any form of discrimination.” However, they declined to comment further on the ongoing internal management issue.
As the situation develops, the medical community and the public will be watching closely to see how the GMC addresses Dr. Kriesels’ controversial statements and the implications for her professional career. This case not only highlights the complexities of free speech but also its potential impact on healthcare professionals.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
