Workshops – The Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe

On 24 April 2026, the UK branch of PalMed Europe hosted an international conference in London titled “Advancing Medical Education and Delivering Healthcare in Palestine.“

The conference brought together leading physicians, academics, and policymakers from around the world to address the urgent challenges facing Palestine’s healthcare system, with particular focus on Gaza.

Conference Highlights

Protecting Medical Education
Opening sessions emphasised the urgent need to safeguard medical education and uphold medical ethics in Gaza to ensure the training of future healthcare professionals.

A Humanitarian Emergency
In his keynote address, Ambassador Husam Zomlot highlighted the scale of the crisis, noting that more than 18,500 patients, including 4,000 children, are waiting for urgent medical treatment that the current healthcare system cannot adequately provide.

Voices from Gaza
Live contributions from the Deans of the Faculties of Medicine in Gaza, Dr. Anwar Al-Sheikh Khalil and Dr. Mohammed Zughbour, provided first-hand insight into the destruction of medical education infrastructure and the ongoing efforts to continue teaching despite immense challenges.

Building Sustainable International Partnerships

The conference focused not only on highlighting the crisis but also on developing long-term academic partnerships. Discussions led by Professor Omar Milad and Dr. Nadine Abu Shaaban stressed that investing in Palestinian medical education is essential for ensuring the future sustainability of healthcare in Palestine.

The conference organisers aim to transform these recommendations into practical educational, training, and healthcare support programmes that will contribute to rebuilding the health sector.

Together, with Allah’s help, we heal the wounds.

🙏 Support the educational initiative in Gaza

Donate Now
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=USWAQWBVUFQTJ

Account name: Palmed Uk
Sort Code: 30-00-83
Account number: 01273901
Reference:- Education

Bank Transfer – PalMed Europa:
IBAN: DE50502345000391090001
SWIFT: KTAGEFFXXX
Bank: KT Bank Germany

The Palestinian Medical Association in Europe – France Branch (PalMed France) successfully concluded its scientific medical conference in Geneva, Switzerland, held on 24–25 January 2026 under the title: “Malnutrition and Famine in Gaza,” with broad international and academic participation.

The conference brought together a distinguished group of doctors, consultants, and academic experts from several European countries, along with representatives from major international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Participants delivered scientific presentations addressing the current healthcare and humanitarian challenges in Gaza, particularly the severe impact of war, malnutrition, and shortages of medical resources.

A key highlight of the conference was the participation of university professors and doctors from Gaza who joined remotely via Zoom, sharing real-time insights into the ongoing healthcare crisis and the daily challenges faced by medical teams working under extremely difficult humanitarian conditions. Their contributions added a powerful scientific and human dimension to the conference discussions.

The event was attended by healthcare professionals, humanitarian workers, researchers, and public health specialists from across Europe, making it an important scientific platform for knowledge exchange, international medical collaboration, and raising awareness about the devastating effects of malnutrition and famine on Gaza’s population, especially children, women, and vulnerable communities.

At the conclusion of the conference, PalMed France reaffirmed its commitment to organizing further scientific and medical events, strengthening international partnerships, and continuing to support the Palestinian healthcare system through capacity building, research collaboration, and humanitarian medical initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services in Palestine and other regions facing humanitarian crises.

🙏 Thank you to all participants and supporters
🩺 Together, we heal the wounds

The Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe (PalMed Europe) convened its 18th Advisory Conference in the city of Istanbul, Türkiye. The gathering brought together members, medical experts, and organizational leaders to discuss strategic priorities, strengthen humanitarian initiatives, and enhance medical support programs for Palestine.

The conference reaffirmed PalMed Europe’s commitment to advancing healthcare, supporting medical professionals, and expanding relief projects for the Palestinian people.

Dublin – 24 September 2025

Trinity College Dublin, one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities, hosted the launch of the English edition of “A Surgeon’s Diary in Gaza: A Testimony to Genocide” on Tuesday, 23 September. The event was organised by the Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe – Ireland Branch (PalMed Ireland) in collaboration with the European Medical Professionals Association (EMPA).

The launch was part of a series of activities organised by PalMed Ireland to condemn the repeated attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Gaza by the occupying forces, as explained by Dr Mahmoud Abu Marzouk, Chair of the PalMed Ireland Founding Committee.

The event was attended by representatives of Irish political parties, social and healthcare organisations, as well as a large audience of Irish citizens showing strong solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Representing EMPA in Ireland, Dr Abdel Baset Al-Sayyed spoke about the organisation’s mission and its efforts to support the Palestinian health sector and advocate for the rights of healthcare workers. Dr Andy, a GP with Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine (IHCW4P), also addressed the audience, reaffirming the Irish medical community’s commitment to standing alongside their colleagues in Gaza.

The programme was skilfully moderated by Rebecca O’Keeffe (MPhil, Trinity College Dublin), a researcher pursuing a PhD on peace studies in the Middle East. The speeches shared powerful, first-hand stories of the suffering endured by Palestinian patients, medical staff, and civilians in Gaza. One of the most impactful moments came from Dr Ahmed Habib, whose deeply moving address resonated strongly with the audience.

The event included a lively Q&A session, allowing attendees to share their thoughts and engage directly with the speakers. The large turnout reflected the growing public interest and solidarity within Irish society towards Palestine.

Among the distinguished guests were the Malaysian Ambassador to Ireland and his wife, alongside many Palestinian doctors working within the Irish healthcare system. The event concluded with great success — over 140 copies of the book were sold immediately after the launch.

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Saturday, 27 September

The Palestinian Doctors Association – France Branch held a seminar titled “The Health Situation in Palestine and the Gaza Strip” at Albert Calmette University Hospital in Lille, France.

The auditorium was filled with fellow doctors who came to hear first-hand testimonies from Gaza. Dr Ahmed Abu Nadda, Director of the PalMed Office in Gaza, spoke about the current state of healthcare and the significant challenges facing medical services in the region.

The seminar also featured contributions from Dr Khaled Al-Shawa and Dr Mohammed Abu Nadda. Attendees listened to powerful, first-hand accounts from several colleagues who had recently taken part in PalMed medical missions to Gaza.

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Ireland
3rd Jun 2025

The Ireland Chapter of the Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe (PalMed-Europe) was officially launched during the 34th International Conference of the National Arab-American Medical Association (NAAMA), held at Trinity College Dublin from June 3–5, 2025.

This milestone event was organised in collaboration with PalMed-Europe and the International Center for Health Equity at the University of Michigan, under the theme:
“Together Towards Global Collaboration.”

The conference brought together a distinguished group of academics, medical professionals, and intellectuals from around the world. It was also honoured by the presence of several diplomatic representatives, including:

Dr Jeelan Abdel Majeed, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland
Mr Wan Yusri, Ambassador of Malaysia
Representatives from leading Arab universities

A special symposium titled “International Solidarity with Medical Schools in Gaza” was held on Friday, June 4. The session addressed the dire challenges facing medical education in besieged Gaza, introduced the GEM Gaza initiative, and featured a panel discussion on medical training in conflict zones. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Palestinian doctors across Ireland and Palestinian medical students currently enrolled in Irish universities.

During the symposium, Dr Mahmoud Abu Marzouk, Chair of the Founding Committee, formally announced the establishment of the Palestinian Doctors Association in Ireland. He was joined by several prominent medical figures, including:

Dr Riyad Masharqah – Chair of the Advisory Council of PalMed-Europe
Professor Mahmoud Loubani – Chair of PalMed Academy
Dr Colin Doherty – Head of the Medical School, Trinity College Dublin
Dr Raed Alnasser – President, NAAMA
Dr Nidal Moukaddam – Vice President, NAAMA
Dr Rouba Fehmi – Chair of the Conference
Professor Omar Lattouf – Chair of the Gaza Health Initiative

In his remarks, Dr Abu Marzouk underscored the importance of uniting the efforts of Palestinian doctors in Ireland to enhance professional collaboration, promote humanitarian engagement, and support the healthcare system in Palestine—especially in Gaza. He called upon all doctors to actively participate in PalMed’s mission of building a more equitable and humane health system.

Ireland Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575654553623

Together, We heal the wounds.

Snapshot of PalMed UK and PalMed Academy Event
9 December 2024

PalMed UK and PalMed Academy hosted an inspiring event at Nottingham Medical School titled “Stories of a Surgeon in Palestine“. The event featured Dr. Mohammad Hawari, a PalMed member and surgeon who visited Gaza during the ongoing conflict.

Dr. Hawari shared a powerful testimony about the dire medical situation in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare workers and patients amidst the devastation. Over 100 students and staff attended the event, attentively listening to his firsthand account of the humanitarian crisis and the efforts made by PalMed UK to support innocent civilians affected by the atrocities.

Dr. Hawari detailed PalMed’s tireless 14-month mission to provide aid and medical assistance to the people of Gaza, calling attention to the urgent need for global solidarity. He also introduced the GEM initiative, which aims to support medical students and strengthen Gaza’s healthcare system through education and innovation.

Together, we can make a difference. Help us support the people of Gaza and Palestine.

For donations:
For Medial Aid: https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/PALMED-UK/gaza

For GEM Schem:– https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/PALMED-UK/gem

Together, we can

On Saturday 7 December the Scottish Palestine Health Partnership held its second annual conference at Glasgow University.

Over 100 delegates attended .

Palmed Uk and PalMed Academy was there.

PalMed was represented by Drs Eman El-Bahnasawi and Dr Vivian Badr .
Dr Bashier Oudeh ( SPHP executive ) chaired the second session of the meeting, and introduced Professor Mahmoud Loubani, who presented an update on the GEM scheme , this received a lot of interest and Prof Loubani answered a few questions after his lecture.

Other presenters included Dr Swee Ang; co-founder of MAP, Fatima Al-Ani from HW4P and Aamer Anwar; human rights lawyer and previous rector of Glasgow University.
For Donation to the GEM Scheme:- https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/PALMED-UK/gem
For Donation to the Medical Aid projects:- https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/PALMED-UK/gaza

Together, We can.

Today on December 7 2024.

PalMed Academy and GEM initiative launched and conducted her very first GEM mentorship course for both students and mentors.

This morning was opened by Tareq Abdel-Jawwad who is a currently displaced fifth year medical student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza who gave us an introduction to the ongoing crisis and context under which the GEM scheme is operating with, as well as sharing his own experience as a Gazan medical student and his experience so far with GEM.

Then GEM team given a brief introduction to the GEM scheme by the CEO of GEM, Professor Mahmoud Loubani who touched on the structure of the scheme as well as the ongoing need of the GEM scheme.

The workshops on the theory and application of mentorship was delivered by Lucy Vere who has had over 20 years of experience training NHS staff and organisations during which attendees were given practical advice and basic communication tools on which can use to build and advance their mentor-mentee relationship.

In the afternoon, the lead mentorship co-officers Khansa Irfan and Dr. Elyanna Choi shared their backgrounds and motivations for participating in this scheme.

The panel saw our distinguished speakers Prof. Nidal Moukaddam, Mr. TIm Goodacre, and Dr. Riyadh Almasharqah discuss the challenges of mentorship in a hostile environment for both students and mentors, the psychological and emotional toll of mentorship in our current context, as well as stories of resilience, hope, and advice for mentors involved in the GEM mentorship scheme.

For Donation to the GEM Scheme:- https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/PALMED-UK/gem

Together, We Can.

PalMed Academy Launches GEM Initiative to Rebuild Medical Education in Gaza

In a groundbreaking move to address the disruption caused by the destruction of health and educational institutions in Gaza, PalMed Academy, an affiliate of PalMed Europe, has officially launched the Gaza Educate Medics (GEM) initiative.

PalMed Academy, the Palestinian doctors association in Europe, has been at the forefront of efforts to resume the education of 2500 medical students in Gaza. The initiative was unveiled during a preliminary public meeting on March 9, 2024, attended by distinguished academics, consultants, and medical professionals.

Chaired by Professor Mahmoud Loubani, the meeting featured a presentation by Dr. Lubna Saghir, Consultant in family medicine, introducing the concept of GEM. The initiative aims to establish a virtual medical college, leveraging the expertise of volunteering academics and consultants worldwide to educate Gaza’s medical students. This approach allows students to follow their own syllabus and graduate from their respective colleges, preserving the institutions’ accreditation.

Dr. Riyad Masharqa, Consultant plastic surgeon and Chair of PalMed Europe, outlined the ambitious goals of PalMed and the Academy in supporting this crucial project. The operational structure of GEM, as explained by Professor Loubani, includes various committees to facilitate the implementation of the initiative. Attendees were invited to enroll in committees aligning with their expertise.

The second half of the meeting saw lively discussions and comments from professionals across America, Europe, Palestine, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the UK. Participants from the International Conference for Rebuilding Health Care in Gaza, including Professor Omar Lattuf and Professor Ruba Ali Fahmi, expressed unanimous support for the GEM initiative.

Delegates from Gaza’s medical colleges, as well as representatives from Aberdeen in Scotland, London, and Ireland, were in attendance. The GEM initiative received enthusiastic approval from all delegates, with Professor Lattuf and Professor Ruba Ali pledging their full support.

Forms for registering in GEM committees have been distributed to interested parties, and a brief outline of the initiative’s structure, along with a registration form, is available for those looking to contribute. The PalMed Academy encourages interested individuals to join before the first follow-up meeting in six weeks.

Dr. Bashier Oudeh, Secretary of PalMed Academy, stated, “We are confident there will be a great number of eminent volunteers coming forward as we extend our invitation to colleagues all over the world.”

For more information, please contact PalMed Academy through email at chair@palmedacademy.com

GEM meeting

Older Posts

On 24 April 2026, the UK branch of PalMed Europe hosted an international conference in London titled “Advancing Medical Education and Delivering Healthcare in Palestine.“

Conference Highlights

Building Sustainable International Partnerships

Together, with Allah’s help, we heal the wounds.

🙏 Support the educational initiative in Gaza

Donate Nowhttps://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=USWAQWBVUFQTJ

Account name: Palmed Uk Sort Code: 30-00-83 Account number: 01273901 Reference:- Education

Bank Transfer – PalMed Europa:IBAN: DE50502345000391090001SWIFT: KTAGEFFXXXBank: KT Bank Germany

The Palestinian Medical Association in Europe – France Branch (PalMed France) successfully concluded its scientific medical conference in Geneva, Switzerland, held on 24–25 January 2026 under the title: “Malnutrition and Famine in Gaza,” with broad international and academic participation.

🙏 Thank you to all participants and supporters🩺 Together, we heal the wounds

The conference reaffirmed PalMed Europe’s commitment to advancing healthcare, supporting medical professionals, and expanding relief projects for the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian Doctors Association – France Branch held a seminar titled “The Health Situation in Palestine and the Gaza Strip” at Albert Calmette University Hospital in Lille, France.

The auditorium was filled with fellow doctors who came to hear first-hand testimonies from Gaza. Dr Ahmed Abu Nadda, Director of the PalMed Office in Gaza, spoke about the current state of healthcare and the significant challenges facing medical services in the region.

The seminar also featured contributions from Dr Khaled Al-Shawa and Dr Mohammed Abu Nadda. Attendees listened to powerful, first-hand accounts from several colleagues who had recently taken part in PalMed medical missions to Gaza.

Ireland 3rd Jun 2025

The Ireland Chapter of the Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe (PalMed-Europe) was officially launched during the 34th International Conference of the National Arab-American Medical Association (NAAMA), held at Trinity College Dublin from June 3–5, 2025.

This milestone event was organised in collaboration with PalMed-Europe and the International Center for Health Equity at the University of Michigan, under the theme:“Together Towards Global Collaboration.”

The conference brought together a distinguished group of academics, medical professionals, and intellectuals from around the world. It was also honoured by the presence of several diplomatic representatives, including:

Dr Jeelan Abdel Majeed, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland

Mr Wan Yusri, Ambassador of Malaysia

Representatives from leading Arab universities

During the symposium, Dr Mahmoud Abu Marzouk, Chair of the Founding Committee, formally announced the establishment of the Palestinian Doctors Association in Ireland. He was joined by several prominent medical figures, including:

Dr Riyad Masharqah – Chair of the Advisory Council of PalMed-Europe

Professor Mahmoud Loubani – Chair of PalMed Academy

Dr Colin Doherty – Head of the Medical School, Trinity College Dublin

Dr Raed Alnasser – President, NAAMA

Dr Nidal Moukaddam – Vice President, NAAMA

Dr Rouba Fehmi – Chair of the Conference

Professor Omar Lattouf – Chair of the Gaza Health Initiative