Doctors are “horrified” at a letter the British Medical Association (BMA) has sent to Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron condemning Israel.

The BMA’s letter claims Israel is disregarding “international humanitarian law” and “the principles of medical neutrality”.

It fails to mention the October 7 massacre, and calls for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.

BMA House, London

UKLFI has been contacted by several concerned doctors who are “horrified” that such a letter has been sent in their name.

Caroline Turner, a director at UKLFI, has written to Professor Philip Banfield, the BMA’s chair of council, and Dr Latifa Patel, the BMA’s equality lead, to raise concerns about their letter.

“We would like to point out that your letter contains serious omissions, and also contains a great deal of misleading information, incorrect facts, false allegations and pure anti-Israel propaganda,” UKLFI’s letter says.

UKLFI has told the BMA that its letter to Lord Cameron is so one sided as to give the impression that the BMA is a supporter of the  terrorist organization, Hamas. It appears to be expressing an opinion or belief that is supportive of this proscribed organisation, contrary to s.12(1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

UKLFI points out that the BMA’s letter fails to

• Mention the Israeli hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and other terrorist groups

• Call for their release

• Call for the Red Cross or other agencies to visit them to ensure they are being

held in good condition and deliver medicine to them

• Ask the Secretary of State to help to secure their release

The BMA letter also fails to mention that Hamas started this war by its cruel massacre of around 1200 Israelis and others on 7 October 2023, including torture, burnings, beheadings and rape, as well as the kidnapping of around 240 people.

UKLFI, which also sent its letter to Lord Cameron, explains that when it comes to disregarding international law, it is Hamas that is guilty of this rather than Israel.

In particular, Hamas’ misuse of hospitals for military purposes is not mentioned in the BMA’s letter.

UKLFI says this serious omission by the BMA “betrays the prejudiced agenda of the authors of your letter and compromises your claim to promote medical neutrality.”

Ms Turner concludes by urging the BMA to withdraw their letter.

She says: “We understand that some BMA members agree with it, but the letter will only stir up racial hatred in the medical profession, encourage antisemitism within medical workplaces, promote distrust of medical professionals on the part of members of the public, and prejudice medical neutrality.”

Many doctors have also shared their opposition to the BMA letter on X (Twitter):

“Shame on you @theBMA for a statement that is far from neutral”

“No mention of the release of the over 100 hostages that have been denied their freedom .. the BMA should be ashamed”

“The BMA’s siding with Hamas in this conflict is truly shocking and detracts from #payrestoration

“.condemn Hamas for what they have done – as this is one sided drivel”

“this could have been written by Hamas. The BMA hate Jews apparently”

“shameful backhanded support of terrorist Hamas run Gaza and demonisation of Israel by the BMA.

“It is disgraceful that the BMA does not also stand up for the human rights of Israelis held captive in Gaza”