Staff reporter Daily Dawn, Dawn TV report
London: The British Medical Association has severed ties with an Israeli institution. This decision has come at a time when Israel is facing severe criticism globally. The move in the UK has raised concerns in Israel that other countries may now follow the same path.
According to Israeli media, the chairman of the Israeli Medical Association, Professor Zion Hagai, confirmed that he is making diplomatic efforts to stop the decision, as it could result in Israeli doctors being excluded from scientific conferences, educational exchanges and professional cooperation in the UK.
Professor Hagai admitted that since October 7, negative sentiments against Israelis, especially Israeli doctors, have increased around the world, and Israeli experts have been excluded from conferences several times. He said he was talking to the organizers behind the scenes to prevent a boycott against Israel.
The BMA resolution demanded that the IMA suspend its relations with it until it accepts the principle of medical neutrality and condemns the attacks on Gaza hospitals. Some members even called for Israel to be expelled from the World Medical Association altogether.
Dr Farid Al-Qusous, a Jordanian-born British doctor who attended the conference, said: “As doctors, we have a responsibility to protect patients and medical institutions, whether they are Palestinian or Israeli.” He said that when the IMA condemned an Iranian missile attack but remained silent on the Israeli bombing of Gaza, this duplicity was unacceptable.
Professor Hagai expressed his desire to continue contacts with international medical organizations and meet with British doctors so that “our position can be presented before an irreversible decision is made.” But he also accused some individuals of using medical ethics for political purposes.
Meanwhile, Dr. Al-Qusous clarified that this decision is not anti-Semitism but humanitarianism. He said, “This is just a suspension, not a permanent boycott. If the Israeli organization accepts medical neutrality, relations can be restored.”
This development has made it clear that Israel is now facing global isolation not only in the political or military field but also in the medical and scientific fields for its human rights violations. The world is no longer willing to tolerate Israel’s silence on the bombing of hospitals in Gaza, the martyrdom of patients and doctors, and the humanitarian crisis. This step by the BMA is a practical expression of the awakening of the global conscience, and may prove to be a new chapter in the growing global pressure against Israel.
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