Situation in Israel and Gaza

​The Hamas attacks on Israel in recent days were horrific. The brutal murder of innocent civilians in their own homes, killing innocent festivalgoers, raping women and taking children hostage must be condemned in the strongest possible terms - nothing can justify it. Those who planned and carried out the attacks must face justice.

We have not been close to peace in the region, but there is no doubt that these attacks, and the response from Israel, will set us back many years. This will be devastating for the many innocent people in Israel and Palestine who just want peace. I fear it will be innocent men, women and children from Gaza who are going to pay the price for Hamas' attacks. I have been very critical of Netanyahu throughout the years, and I really do worry about what the next few days and weeks will bring.

The cutting off of water, gas and electricity supplies breaches a whole host of internationally recognised laws. Refusing to allow aid in and stopping food supplies will hit the most vulnerable the hardest. Countless innocent lives will be lost and the international community must work on a resolution that de-escalates the conflict as soon as possible.

The discourse I've seen on Twitter has appalled me in recent days, which is why I have decided to post this on my website, instead of there. I have worked as a humanitarian doctor in the region, spanning a period of over a decade. I've always sought the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state, and my views have not changed, I believe it is the only way to achieve peace in the region. But I will also call out barbaric attacks when they occur. The rape and murder of innocent civilians should be called out and I'm sure the vast majority of people will share my disgust.