'Heartbroken': Former SNP MP pays tribute as friend killed in Gaza by Israel

A FORMER SNP MP and surgeon who worked in Gaza has paid tribute after her friend was killed during Israeli airstrikes which broke the ceasefire deal.

Dr Philippa Whitford, the former SNP MP for Central Ayrshire, worked in Al Ahli hospital in Gaza during the first intifada.

On Tuesday, she told how she was "heartbroken" after learning that her friend Nadia, as well as Nadia's daughter Nadeen, were among 400 Palestinians killed by Israel despite a ceasefire deal.

Dr Philippa Whitford (left) pictured with Nadia (Image: @Dr_PhilippaW, via Twitter/X) Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the attacks early on Tuesday which killed at least 404 people, including women and children, and injured more than 600, the Gaza Health Ministry said. 

Netanyahu, who is wanted for arrest by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, said he ordered the airstrikes due to a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. 

Writing on Twitter/X on Tuesday afternoon, Whitford said: "Today I heard my friend Nadia (on right) & her daughter Nadeen were killed in massive Israeli assault on #Gaza which has ended ceasefire.

"Had helped Nadia pay Hala agency to get her & her daughters out - but #Israel closed #Rafah crossing.

"I am heartbroken."

Today I heard my friend Nadia (on right) & her daughter Nadeen were killed in massive Israeli assault on #Gaza which has ended ceasefire. Had helped Nadia pay Hala agency to get her & her daughters out - but #Israel closed #Rafah crossing. I am heartbroken 💔#TheyAreNOTNumbers https://t.co/pxLy8lTXWm pic.twitter.com/dxFNPi1Uir

— Dr Philippa Whitford (@Dr_PhilippaW) March 18, 2025

Whitford added: "It is hard to accept that she survived the suffering of 15 months of war in #Gaza only to be killed by #Israel during a supposed ceasefire! #UKGovIsComplicit"

 Following Tuesday's bombardment, we told how Glasgow University rector Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah, a British-Palestinian medic who has worked in Palestine, called the war on Gaza "America's genocide".

The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for the attack.

In a statement on national television, the Israeli PM said the attack was “only the beginning” and that Israel would press ahead until it achieves all of its war aims, destroying Hamas and freeing all hostages held by the militant group.

All further ceasefire negotiations will take place “under fire”, Netanyahu said.