Ontario doctors disciplined over Israel-Gaza protests
CTV
A number of doctors are facing scrutiny for publicizing their opinions on the Israel-Hamas war. Critics say expressing their political views could impact patient care, while others say that it is being used as an excuse for censorship.
Just days after spending a night in jail and being charged with mischief, emergency room physician Dr. Tarek Loubani climbed on top of a riser at Parliament Hill and called for a "Free Palestine," while demanding the government of Canada push for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
"I will not go back to sewing children's heads without anesthesia," said Loubani, 41, who has volunteered in Gaza over the past decade. "We must make our voices heard here and tomorrow … Ceasefire is not enough. We must have a free Palestine."
The London, Ont., doctor spoke in front of thousands of protesters on Saturday, aware that his activism in a politically charged climate puts his job at risk.
He has emerged as a prominent voice, advocating for human rights for Palestinians since Israel declared war on Hamas.
According to the Israeli government, about 1,200 people were killed in the Oct. 7 attacks. In the seven weeks since then, at least 14,800 Palestinians — mostly women and children — in Gaza have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health.
"These things shouldn't happen. That's why you see a lot of fighting back against the weaponization of antisemitism to include any criticism of Israel," Loubani said in an interview with CTV News ahead of his speech on Parliament Hill.
On Nov. 16, London police arrested Loubani and charged him with mischief for allegedly vandalizing the office of a member of Parliament. Last month, the front door and porch of London MP Peter Fragiskatos's constituency office was defaced by squirts of ketchup.
