Surgeon not allowed into pro-Palestinian meeting in Germany causes big argument.

A British-Palestinian surgeon, Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, who helped in Gaza hospitals, was stopped from entering Germany for a pro-Palestinian conference. He was held at Berlin airport and later sent back to the U.K. because officials said his presence might risk public safety and order.

The conference Dr. Abu Sitta planned to attend, called the Palestine Congress, aimed to discuss topics like German arms shipments to Israel and support for Palestinians. However, Berlin police ended the event on its first day due to a livestream of a politically banned individual.

The event's organizers complained on social media about the police's action, calling it unfounded. Meanwhile, Germany maintains its strong support for Israel, especially amidst growing concern over the high number of Palestinian casualties in the conflict.

Germany has tightened restrictions on pro-Palestinian expressions and groups, especially those supporting Hamas, following an attack on Israel by the group. This stance is widely supported domestically, though it faces criticism for potentially suppressing free speech and humanitarian advocacy.

Critics, including human rights organizations, have compared Germany's actions to authoritarian censorship, highlighting the case of Dr. Abu Sitta's denied entry. Despite the controversy, German officials were cautious about the congress beforehand, indicating a pre-planned scrutiny over pro-Palestinian gatherings.