URGENT UPDATE: A senior paediatrician at Whittington Hospital in North London has been referred to a disciplinary tribunal by the General Medical Council (GMC) after openly defending Hamas in a series of provocative social media posts. Dr. Ellen Kriesels, a consultant paediatrician, is set to face a tribunal hearing on November 14, 2023, to determine her future in the medical profession.
This troubling development raises significant concerns about the implications of her statements, which include claims that “Jewish supremacy” is a prevalent ideology among Jews, and that Hamas members are “oppressed resistance fighters” rather than terrorists. Dr. Kriesels has faced backlash for her inflammatory remarks, including a post in which she referred to the Jewish community’s perspectives on the October 7 attacks, stating, “Always trying to frame the Jews as victims. So ridiculous. So excruciating.”
In addition to her controversial online presence, Dr. Kriesels has been involved in several pro-Palestine protests. Disturbingly, she was seen at a rally holding an Israeli flag with a message that read: “Rape, steal, cry, kill, cheat, lie.” This behavior has prompted serious scrutiny from both the GMC and the Whittington NHS Health Trust.
A spokesperson for the Trust emphasized, “We can confirm that we have heard the concerns raised about one of our employees. The employee concerned is not currently scheduled to be working at the Trust.” They further highlighted that there is “no place at Whittington Health for any form of discrimination,” and reiterated that personal opinions expressed by employees do not reflect the Trust’s values.
The GMC has not disclosed specific details about the upcoming hearing but confirmed that Dr. Kriesels is under investigation. This case highlights the ongoing tension surrounding free speech and professional conduct in the medical field, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
As the situation develops, the outcome of Dr. Kriesels’ tribunal could have major implications for medical professionals and their engagement in political discourse. The public and medical community are closely watching this case, with many calling for accountability and a clear stance against hate speech.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent matter as the tribunal date approaches. For more breaking news, sign up for our free daily newsletter.
