Palestinian doctor who worked in Gaza elected Glasgow University rector

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Palestinian British surgeon Gassan Abu Sitta, who fought to save lives in Gaza under Israeli attacks for 40 days, became the new rector of the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

Abu Sitta, who garnered approximately 80% of the votes in the rectoral election, has been elected the new rector of the university, Glasgow University announced on X.

Abu Sitta would represent students at the highest level in the university's decision-making processes for three years, it added.

He was also described as "one of the world's leading experts in plastic and reconstructive surgery."

Arthur James Balfour, the author of the "Balfour Declaration," which paved the way for the establishment of the State of Israel on Palestinian land, served as the rector of the University of Glasgow from 1890 to 1893.

Following the start of Israeli attacks, Abu Sitta went to Gaza through Egypt with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on Oct. 9, 2023 and made efforts to serve the people of Gaza at Al-Shifa Hospital and Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital despite medical limitations until Nov. 18.

The British surgeon, who also participated in Western media broadcasts to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza, made headlines for holding a press conference at the funerals outside Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which was bombed by Israel on Oct. 17, resulting in 500 casualties.

Due to medical shortages at the hospitals, Abu Sitta had to leave Gaza after 40 days and return to his home country, the UK.