The Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe (PalMed) was able to raise more than $150,000 to support and care for medical students in Gaza, as part of the Gaza Education Medical Academy initiative. This came during an integrated academic day held at the Royal College of Medicine in London, last Saturday, with the participation of an elite group of international doctors and experts.
Reviving medical education in Gaza
The conference, entitled “Reviving medical education in Gaza… Challenges and solutions,” discussed the major obstacles facing medical education in the Strip as a result of the ongoing siege and systematic destruction of health and educational facilities. The conference included discussion sessions and academic presentations that addressed the importance of innovation and international networks to support this vital sector.
Hossam El-Din Adwan, a consultant surgeon at Worrell University Hospital in the United Kingdom and Chairman of the GEM Academy Conference Committee, said: Through your participation today, you are fueling the flame of hope, not only for students and faculty, but for all residents of Gaza.
An investment in the future of Gaza
Professor Mahmoud Al-Lubani, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and President of the PalMed Academy, highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “The funds we raised today will be allocated to support medical students in Gaza within the GEM program. This program is an investment.” In the future of all of Gaza, it aims to maintain the continuity of medical education and qualify medical personnel to serve society in light of these difficult circumstances.”
Al-Lubani added that the initiative, which was launched in June 2024, was able to enroll more than 210 male and female students, with the contribution of more than a thousand international volunteers who provide lectures and support through an integrated educational platform.

Challenges of medical education in Gaza
The conference sessions focused on the current situation of medical colleges in Gaza, where Al-Azhar and Islamic universities face major challenges, most notably the destruction of infrastructure and the lack of basic resources necessary for medical education and training. The number of students enrolled in medical colleges before the last war was about 2,500 male and female students.
In this context, Anwar Sheikh Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Islamic University of Gaza, said, “The destruction of the medical education infrastructure threatens not only the future of students, but also the future of the entire health system in Gaza.”
A global message of solidarity
The conference witnessed the presence of a number of prominent international figures, such as Professor Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian doctor known for his humanitarian support for the Gaza Strip, and the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hossam Zomlot, who stressed the importance of education as a means of Palestinian steadfastness. The head of the Advisory Council of the Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe, Riyad Masharqa, also praised the steadfastness of medical students in Gaza and their insistence on continuing their education despite the challenges.
Students from the Gaza Strip participated remotely via video technology, where student Lina Abu Hein spoke about the daily difficulties that students face, including the risks that stand in their way to reach hospitals to practice clinical training. Student Tariq Abdel Jawad, Chairman of the Student Participation Committee in the “Gem” Program, also confirmed that international support represents a source of inspiration for students and gives them hope to continue their education and serve their community.

Charity dinner to raise funds
The academic day concluded with a charity dinner event, which witnessed fundraising to support the initiative. The efforts resulted in raising more than $150,000 to support medical students in Gaza, in an atmosphere of solidarity and determination to achieve the program’s goals.
“PalMed”… a vision for sustainable medical education
The Palmed Academy is the educational arm of the Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe. It was established in 2022 with the aim of raising the level of health care for Palestinians through education and training. It works to provide educational materials and advanced training programs in cooperation with international universities and institutions.
Through these efforts, PalMed and its partners seek to preserve medical education in Gaza as one of the pillars of Palestinian steadfastness, in light of the enormous challenges imposed by the ongoing occupation and siege.