Professor Shafi Ahmed's Recent LinkedIn Posts

I want to take a moment to recognise two truly exceptional women leaders: Ms. Rachel and Greta Thurnberg who have shown their strength of humanity despite serious online abuse, unfounded criticism and hostility from those that should be ashamed of themselves. Their impact and authenticity continue to inspire those around them. Ms. Rachel is more than an educator with over 20 million followers across social media. She’s a beacon of positivity and early childhood development. Through her creative content, unwavering patience, and deep understanding of how children learn, she has transformed educational media into something deeply engaging and meaningful. Her ability to connect with young minds and their parents, is nothing short of extraordinary. Her stance for the children of Palestine is truly inspiring. Greta has stood as a powerful advocate for environmental change and intergenerational leadership. With courage beyond her years, she’s brought climate action into the global spotlight, proving that one voice backed by conviction and integrity, can shift world conversations. Her persistence, clarity, and moral compass remind us of the power of speaking truth to power. She is currently on the flotilla to break the siege on Gaza and putting her own life at risk. They should both be nominated for and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Greta should have won this a few years ago. Though their paths are different, Ms. Rachel and Greta share an extraordinary strength: the ability to lead with empathy and inspire with purpose. Thank you both. Here’s to all of the leaders in these difficult times who remind us that kindness, courage, and clarity are timeless qualities that will always move the world forward.

Everyday we see children and adults dying of starvation in Gaza which is unconscionable and unacceptable. IT NEEDS TO STOP. My medical colleagues in Gaza have told me that they too have little to eat whilst on duty and working in the hospitals and have witnessed the deaths due to starvation and malnutrition. Over 1000 people have been killed whilst waiting in the "hunger games" queue by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Aid agencies and the WHO warn of "catastrophic hunger" and "mass starvation" affecting over 2 million Gazans. There have been 101 deaths from starvation-related causes since May — 80 children and 21 adults. In 3 days this week there were 43 deaths due to hunger. UN data (through May) recorded 244,000 people in the worst “IPC Phase 5” (catastrophic food insecurity)—the highest rate ever on the IPC. By 22 July, the GHF had been operating for 58 days but the food it had brought in would only have sustained the population of Gaza for less than a fortnight, even if it was distributed equally. There has been a total blockade since March 2. Israel cut off all supplies from Gaza, triggering a collapse in bakeries, farming, and food systems. Though some aid resumed in May, deliveries remain insufficient and often delayed. Ongoing Israeli airstrikes have destroyed bakeries, flour mills, farms, and storage facilities, leading to widespread food scarcity. Over 1,000 people killed during food distributions due to violence and strikes at aid sites. Aid workers are even fainting in the fields due to hunger. More than 100 humanitarian and rights organizations (Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, Save the Children, Amnesty International) have condemned the “entirely man-made” crisis and urged immediate action. Western governments and media who have been complicit in the genocide are now openly calling out the war crimes perpetrated by Israel.