Tory anger over air strikes on Syrian hospitals

THE Government has condemned the suspected hacking of a British surgeon’s computer as it described air strikes on hospitals in Syria as “unparalleled brutality”.

Penny Mordaunt, the International Development Secretary, has launched an £11 million fund to find innovative ways to deliver healthcare in war zones. She labelled attempts to block medical supplies in Syria as a “blatant breach of international humanitarian law”.

News of the fund comes after David Nott, the renowned surgical consultant, revealed his fears that a hack on his computer, led to the bombing of a Syrian hospital which is suspected to have been carried out by Russian planes.

It is hoped the fund can provide a secure way for experienced doctors to deliver instructions into war zones with a lower risk of being hacked as well as new tools to make complex medical tasks easier for those with less training.

Ms Mordaunt said: “The Assad regime and its backers have displayed an unparalleled level of callousness and barbarity by deliberately targeting schools and hospitals. These attacks, along with restrictions on food and medical supplies, are a blatant breach of international humanitarian law.

“The UK Government continues to call on all parties to this horrific conflict to protect civilians and we will continue to deliver support to those that need it most.

“Brave aid workers, including the medical staff targeted after a suspected computer hack, are working in horrific conditions,” she said.

“The aid sector needs to innovate if it is to continue delivering life-saving assistance in the most difficult situations imaginable. That’s why last month we launched a new fund, with USAID, to find new technology solutions and innovations to save lives in conflict zones.”

Mr Nott had instructed his former students to conduct complex jaw reconstruction surgery via Skype and Whatsapp from his London office in Sept 2016.

The operation was broadcast by the BBC and, weeks later, a “bunker buster” bomb was dropped on the exact coordinates of the operating theatre at the hospital in Aleppo, leading Mr Nott to believe that the location had been hacked from his computer or phone.