Ghassan Abu Sittah Legal Fund

Support Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah as He Speaks the Truth About Gaza

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has proudly stood with Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah since he returned from volunteering in Gaza in November 2023. He has since returned numerous times. This fundraiser supports his legal defence protecting him from legal attacks as he continues to courageously uphold his medical oath and advocate for Palestinian rights amidst an ongoing genocide.

Who is Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah?

Professor Ghassan Abu Sittah is a British-Palestinian plastic and reconstructive war surgeon and the current Rector of the University of Glasgow, following his successful election in March 2024. Professor Ghassan has worked in many war zones including in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Gaza. He has worked in aid of the people of Gaza continually over the years in response to the many attacks launched by Israel. In October 2023, Professor Ghassan spent 43 days in besieged Gaza and was a witness to the atrocious crimes and attacks carried out against medical facilities, such as the bombing of Al-Ahli Hospital and the siege of Al Shifa Hospital.

His commitment did not end upon leaving Gaza. Back in the UK, Dr. Ghassan has been determined to share what he witnessed and call for justice and accountability. He has cooperated with Scotland Yard by providing testimony to help document war crimes committed in Gaza.

Why Are we Fundraising for Dr. Ghassan’s Mission

ICJP recognises the immense risks Dr. Ghassan faces for speaking the truth to power and revealing the atrocities he has witnessed in Gaza. He believes that silence in the face of injustice is a form of complicity. Dr. Ghassan also believes that he does not have the luxury to stop advocating for Palestinian rights whilst medical staff he has once worked with in Gaza are subjected to torture and killing by the Israeli occupying forces.

This fund will provide Dr. Ghassan with the essential legal representation and support needed to defend against ongoing lawfare aimed at silencing his medical and personal advocacy work. Your support will ensure he has the space and resources to continue his vital humanitarian and lobbying efforts.

How Your Support Helps

He achieved a landslide victory in the March rectorial election winning 80 percent of votes and causing voter turnout to more than double since the last rector elections in 2021. Despite the overwhelming mandate he received from students, Professor Ghassan has been under fire due to his activism and his election as rector of the University of Glasgow. His election caused an uproar from media outlets who launched smear campaigns and made several defamatory and unfounded claims against him.

Ghassan has faced incessant harassment in response to his humanitarian work in Gaza. The latest harassment he is facing is a complaint by a pro-Israel pressure group, UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI). The complaint to the General Medical Council (GMC) seeks to suspend Ghassan from practicing medicine. The investigation is ongoing and the hearing will take place in Autumn 2025. Ghassan requires legal assistance to protect his ability to practice, following these 'lawfare' attacks against him.

Driven by a sense of moral duty, Dr. Ghassan has travelled extensively to inform governments, organisations, and the public about the atrocities he witnessed during his voluntary medical deployment in Gaza. In response, German authorities imposed a Schengen-area travel ban, blocking his entry into Germany, France, and the Netherlands. When he was denied entry to Germany, he was detained for three hours and ultimately deported. He had been travelling simply to speak at a conference.

Refusing to be silenced, Dr. Ghassan is now challenging the legality of this travel ban in court, determined to defend both his rights and the broader principle of free expression in solidarity with Palestine. He was successful in winning interim relief, but the full hearing is now taking place in July 2025, to decide definitively on the ban. Support is desperately needed to fund this case.

Like Ghassan, you too can also play a role in ensuring that Palestinians are heard. By supporting this campaign, you play a crucial role in amplifying Palestinian voices and protecting those like Dr. Ghassan who risk everything to seek justice.

We remain committed to keeping you updated on Dr. Ghassan’s ongoing legal battles, by sharing key developments as they happen. We hope to bring you news of more victories along the way.

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