FiMED follow-ups

The Association of Palestinian Doctors in Europe held its 19th consultative conference in the Belgian capital, Brussels, under the slogan "Together and side by side we heal the wounds," with broad participation from delegates of the association's branches in ten European countries: Germany, Italy, Britain, Turkey, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, France, Spain and Ireland.

The conference affirmed that the association will continue its medical and humanitarian mission to serve the Palestinian people wherever they are, with a particular focus on supporting the health sector in the Gaza Strip amid mounting medical and humanitarian needs.

The morning sessions addressed the association's projects dedicated to supporting the health system in Gaza, including sending medical delegations, establishing medical points and providing medical supplies, alongside the association's academic activities aimed at supporting medical education and training in the health professions within the Strip.

Election of a new administrative board for the 2026-2028 term

The conference saw the election of a new seven-member administrative board for the association to take on responsibilities for the 2026-2028 term, with portfolios distributed as follows:

Dr. Mohammed Abu al-Sheikh: President of the association.

Dr. Mohammed al-Hams: Vice President and External Relations Officer.

Dr. Maimoun al-Hajj: Internal Affairs Officer.

Dr. Khalil al-Halabi: Secretary.

Dr. Khalil al-Bayouk: Treasurer.

Dr. Mahmoud Ismail: Health Development and Delegations Officer.

Dr. Mohannad Abu Hilal: Media Committee Officer.

The conference also elected Dr. Ghada Abu Aisha as chair of the advisory council, while the council chose Dr. Musa Arrada as vice chair and Dr. Hussam Muflih as secretary.

Seminar on the conditions of Palestinian doctors in occupation prisons

The conference's proceedings concluded with a panel discussion titled "Palestinian medical personnel in Israeli occupation prisons: human rights and international law," with the participation of experts in international law and human rights, and doctors who had previously been arrested and went through the experience of detention.

The seminar addressed the violations to which Palestinian medical workers are subjected inside occupation prisons, and ways to document and follow them up in light of the rules of international humanitarian law and human rights, and served as a space for exchanging testimonies and experiences regarding the conditions of Palestinian medical personnel.

Through the election of its new administrative board and the review of its medical and academic programs, the conference reflects the association's continued efforts to coordinate Palestinian medical work in Europe and to direct part of its capacities toward supporting the health sector in Gaza, alongside pursuing the issues of Palestinian doctors and medical personnel at the rights and humanitarian levels.