London: Gaza doctors' appeal screened on wall of St Thomas' Hospital

ICN screenshot

Source: Artists for Palestine UK

As Israel systematically eradicates the last remnants of healthcare in Gaza, human rights defenders have screened a film on the walls of St Thomas's Hospital, London. Actor Khalid Abdalla speaks the words of surgeon Ghassan Abu-Sittah, who will never be able to unsee the horror that has been inflicted on Palestinians.

The film highlights the testimonies of doctors who have returned from Gaza - who have survived the deliberate targeting of hospitals and health facilities, who are not among the 986 medical workers killed by Israeli forces. Those who remain are witnesses to a situation just as harrowing as that described by Dr Abu-Sittah.

The UK government says it is appalled by the suffering of Palestinians. On 28th October, Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons that his government was 'leading efforts to bring this nightmare to an end'.

Yet at the same time, Lammy rejected calls to end the supply of components to Israel's F-35 jets, which are in the forefront of Israel's genocidal attacks. As Israel intensifies its assault on everything that might sustain or protect Palestinian lives, Britain continues to provide it with military support.

Charlotte Andrews-Briscoe, lawyer with Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), said: "Time and again, dedicated Palestinian and international medics have told the world of the unspeakable crimes being perpetrated by Israeli forces against the Palestinian people. Time and again, the UK Government has not listened. Doctors have consistently reported treating pre-teen children for sniper wounds to the head and chest. The government cannot delay action a moment longer, they must revoke UK licences for F-35 fighter jet components that could be used by Israel, and take measures to prevent and punish genocide. As Khalid Abdalla says, listen to the doctors of Gaza."

Today's video is part of an ongoing global movement by Palestinians, artists, civil society and legal experts advocating for the UK government to end the export of weapons and weapon parts to Israel. The UK will be held accountable. It has a legal duty to uphold international law. Failing to halt arms exports could leave ministers at risk of criminal prosecution.

LINKS

Watch the film here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnEGrRysCT8

Artists For Palestine: https://artistsforpalestine.org.uk/