The British Medical Association (BMA) has officially voted to suspend its ties with the Israeli Medicine Association (IMA), citing the latter's refusal to condemn alleged attacks on Gaza's healthcare system.
The resolution, passed at the BMA's annual conference in Liverpool with over 80% support, reflects growing pressure on Israeli medical institutions and a broader concern in Israel that other countries might follow suit.
While the vote represents official BMA policy, the manner of its implementation has yet to be determined. The Israeli Medicine Association has launched a diplomatic effort to influence how the decision is carried out, warning that the resolution could lead to Israeli doctors being excluded from academic exchanges, conferences and professional collaborations in the UK.
“We are not dependent on the British. The IMA is tied to the World Medical Association (WMA), not to one of its 120 members,” said IMA Chairman Prof. Zion Hagai, who nevertheless acknowledged the potential ripple effects. “This is a declarative step that could encourage other countries to adopt similar measures. We're trying to prevent that first domino from falling.”
Prof. Hagai noted that since October 7, hostility toward Israelis—including within the medical sphere—has increased. He said there have been instances where Israeli doctors were disinvited from conferences where they were scheduled to speak. “We’re working behind the scenes, talking to organizers and explaining why a boycott of Israel is the wrong path.”
According to Hagai, the ongoing war in Gaza and global media focus on Palestinian suffering have eroded international support for Israel, even among traditional allies. He stressed that the IMA continues to advocate internationally for Israel’s position and is in regular contact with foreign medical organizations.
The resolution passed in the UK included calls to suspend ties with the IMA until it affirms the principle of medical neutrality and condemns attacks on Gaza’s healthcare system. Some BMA members went further, suggesting Israel’s expulsion from the World Medical Association altogether.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
One of the conference participants, Dr. Fareed Al-Qusous, a 26-year-old British doctor of Jordanian descent, explained his support for the resolution: “As physicians, our duty is to ensure the protection of patients and medical facilities. Medical neutrality applies to both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Dr. Al-Qusous argued that the IMA had failed to condemn Israeli strikes on Gaza hospitals, even as it rightly denounced Iran’s missile attack on Soroka Medical Center. “We must be consistent. Any attack on a hospital is reprehensible. Because the IMA was silent on Gaza, I voted in favor of suspending ties.”
5 View gallery
Soroka Medical Center following Iranian missile strike
(Photo: Soroka Medical Center)
Prof. Hagai, who also serves on the WMA council, said that during a global meeting in April 2024, the UK delegation attempted to pass a resolution accusing Israel of war crimes. “We ultimately reached an understanding and avoided a formal condemnation, but this latest vote marks an unprecedented escalation.”
He added that the IMA plans to send representatives to the UK to meet with the BMA leadership in hopes of defusing the crisis. “We’ve asked to come. We want to present our side before irreversible decisions are made. We’ll show our compliance with international law and our commitment to treating even Gaza militants who were brought into Israeli hospitals after October 7.”
Hagai stressed that any medical worker suspected of terrorism is investigated and, if necessary, arrested not because of their profession but due to their actions. “We act in accordance with international law. There is no justification for cutting ties with us.”
He also rejected politicization of medical ethics. “The IMA represents doctors and upholds professional standards. While some BMA members may have political biases, we’ll present our truth. Should it be accepted—very well. If not, we’ll continue without them.”
Despite his support for the resolution, Dr. Al-Qusous insisted the move was not antisemitic. “This is a suspension, not a permanent severing of ties. If the IMA commits to medical neutrality, the relationship can be restored.”
He acknowledged the horrors of Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israeli civilians, calling it a tragedy. “But what is happening to Palestinians is also a tragedy. Violence doesn’t justify more violence.”
Al-Qusous expressed hope for a ceasefire and the release of hostages and said he wants to see a unified Palestinian government and a two-state solution. “As a doctor, I care about the humanitarian side. I hope both Israel and Hamas are held accountable for their actions and that the people of Gaza receive the aid they desperately need.”