Palestinian surgeon Ghassan Abu Sittah cleared of claim brought to GMC by pro-Israel group

Renowned British-Palestinian surgeon and University of Glasgow rector Ghassan Abu Sittah announced on Friday that he had won a case brought before the General Medical Council Tribunal by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI).

He has now been cleared of misconduct for alleged antisemitism and support for Hamas, in what was one of several cases brought against him by the pro-Israel legal group.

On Friday, he appeared before a fitness-to-practise panel, where he appeared via video link and was later informed that the case of misconduct against him had been rejected following a three-day hearing.

The chair of the panel, Ian Comfort, said the tribunal examined an article by Abu Sittah for a Lebanese outlet, and two X posts. Comfort said that the article did not show anything that was antisemitic or supportive of terrorism or violence.

UKLFI had alleged that Abu Sittah’s post had "impaired his fitness to practise". The case was originally referred to an Interim Orders Tribunal (IOT), which found no evidence to suggest that patients would be at risk. However, UKLFI submitted further complaints, prolonging the investigation.

Abu Sittah said that his X posts would be understood by those who have knowledge of political context, and would be aware that he was expressing "solidarity" with the Palestinian cause rather than support for proscribed groups.

Comfort agreed, stating that his posts, when read by an Arabic reader, would not be viewed as inciting or supporting violence.

Following the hearing, Abu Sittah said: "My immediate thoughts are with my patients in Beirut, whom I was forced to leave in order to attend these proceedings. I have spent my entire medical career treating the victims of war and political violence. I was therefore deeply shocked to be accused of advocating violence. I do not, and have never, supported violence against civilians."

"…This was the second complaint made against me to the GMC by UK Lawyers for Israel, and the 10th complaint made by them overall. The tribunal’s decision now stands in full view of the public," he added.

He also said that he believes he has been racially profiled due to his Palestinian heritage and said that UKLFI was trying to destroy his life.

Abu Sittah has been outspoken about Israel’s war on Gaza and previously travelled there amid the genocide to treat wounded patients.

In October 2023, he volunteered with Medecins Sans Frontieres and remained in Gaza for 43 days, travelling between different hospitals to help staff in treating victims.

Tayab Ali, the director for the International Centre for Justice for Palestinians said: "The Tribunal’s decision represents a complete vindication of Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah and confirms that these proceedings should never have been brought. There was no evidential basis for any finding of misconduct, and the serious allegations advanced against him have been entirely rejected."

"This case illustrates the growing misuse of regulatory and legal mechanisms to silence and punish those who speak out against grave injustices in Palestine, and the serious chilling effect such tactics have on humanitarian, medical, and academic voices," he added.

Abu Sittah says he has been subjected to widespread harassment since returning from Gaza and detailing the atrocities committed by Israeli forces.