Vigil for healthcare workers in Gaza to take place at Daisy Hill Hospital

Unison representative at the hospital, Deirdre Murphy, is calling on her colleagues and all those in the area who oppose the slaughter in Gaza to come and show their support.

“For over a year the courageous healthcare workers in Gaza have borne the brunt of the Israeli assault,” she said.

"Several hundreds have been killed, many more injured. They have been arrested and tortured in their hundreds.

"Those that survive work in horrific conditions in the few hospitals that are still, barely, functioning. Israel’s intensifying campaign to restrict medical supplies, as well as food and water, while simultaneously bombing civilians in North Gaza has seen healthcare workers unable to adequately treat those with third degree burns or needing amputation. Some have no pain relief to offer at all.”

She added: “One of the key values the NHS demands of its workers is compassion and we are asked to respond to each person’s pain with humanity and kindness.

"If we as healthcare workers – doctors, surgeons, nurses, ambulance drivers and others – cannot show our support for our colleagues in Gaza now, then we need to ask ourselves why we entered this profession in the first place.

"I urge everyone to come and stand for humanity on Friday.”