UPDATE: A senior paediatrician from London is facing serious disciplinary action after openly defending Hamas on social media. The General Medical Council (GMC) has referred Dr. Ellen Kriesels to a disciplinary tribunal, set to convene on November 14, to assess her future in the medical profession.
Dr. Kriesels, a consultant at the Whittington Hospital in North London, has been vocal on social media about her views, which many have labeled as controversial. She has described the killings of Hamas members as a political issue, stating, “They are a political party and oppressed resistance fighters. NOT terrorists.” Her comments have sparked outrage and debate about the boundaries of free speech within medical professionals.
In a series of posts, Dr. Kriesels has criticized the Jewish community, asserting that most Jews adhere to an ideology she terms “Jewish supremacy.” She wrote, “Jewish supremacy is the ideology at the root of all this evil,” igniting further backlash.
The GMC is maintaining confidentiality regarding the tribunal proceedings, stating, “We cannot disclose specific details about ongoing investigations.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Whittington NHS Health Trust confirmed the hospital has received complaints about Dr. Kriesels and emphasized that her views do not represent those of the Trust. “There is no place at Whittington Health for any form of discrimination,” they stated.
Dr. Kriesels has also participated in pro-Palestine protests, where her actions have drawn significant media attention. Last month, she was reportedly suspended from her position at the hospital, pending the outcome of the tribunal hearing.
This developing situation raises critical questions about the responsibilities of medical professionals in their public expressions and the potential ramifications of their statements on public trust and community health. As the tribunal date approaches, all eyes will be on the GMC’s decision and its implications for Dr. Kriesels’ career.
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