UK Doctor Faces Tribunal Over Controversial Hamas Support Tweets

A senior paediatrician in London is facing a disciplinary tribunal after the General Medical Council (GMC) referred her case due to her social media posts defending Hamas. Dr. Ellen Kriesels, a paediatric consultant at the Whittington Hospital, has made headlines for her controversial statements regarding the militant group and her criticism of the Jewish community.

Dr. Kriesels has publicly expressed her support for Hamas, describing the group as “oppressed resistance fighters” rather than terrorists. In a series of tweets, she commented on the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, suggesting that some members of the Jewish community frame themselves as victims. Her remarks included, “Some Jews… say [October 7] was a pogrom… So ridiculous. So excruciating. So exhausting.”

In addition to her online activity, Dr. Kriesels has participated in pro-Palestinian protests. She was photographed holding a sign that stated, “Rape, steal, cry, kill, cheat, lie,” alongside an Israeli flag. These actions have raised significant concerns about her views and professional conduct.

The GMC’s referral comes on the heels of a reported suspension from her position at the Whittington Hospital. A hearing is scheduled for November 14, 2023, during which the tribunal will determine whether Dr. Kriesels can continue to practice medicine.

The Whittington NHS Health Trust confirmed that they are aware of the concerns surrounding Dr. Kriesels. A spokesperson stated, “The employee concerned is not currently scheduled to be working at the Trust. However, it would not be appropriate to comment further on a confidential internal management issue. The care of all our local community is our number one priority.” They emphasized that there is no place for discrimination within their organization and that personal opinions expressed by staff do not reflect the Trust’s views.

The GMC has not released further information regarding the upcoming tribunal. Efforts to reach Dr. Kriesels for comment have not yielded a response.

As this situation develops, it raises significant questions about the intersection of personal beliefs and professional responsibilities in the medical field. The outcome of the tribunal may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.