Seventeen out of 20 U.S. doctors who were stuck in Gaza have been able to depart with the help of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, leaving behind three doctors, including Dr. Adam Hamawy who once saved the life of Sen. Tammy Duckworth. This group of doctors was trapped in Gaza due to Israel’s closure of border crossings as they prepared for an expected Israeli invasion of the city of Rafah. The U.S. officials received the departing doctors at the Kerem Shalom Crossing at the Israel border. The State Department confirmed that they have been in contact with the doctors’ groups and families and have helped facilitate the departures. The three doctors who chose to stay are fully aware of the challenges they may face if they want to leave Gaza at a later date.
President Joe Biden has expressed concern over civilian casualties in Gaza and has stated that certain weapons and artillery shells would not be provided to Israel in the event of a ground offensive in Rafah. There have been reports that the U.S. has halted a shipment of offensive weapons bound for Israel. Despite this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the operation in Rafah will move forward quickly and will be completed in a matter of weeks. In response to the escalating conflict, the United States has constructed a floating pier to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza, with the shipments beginning on Friday morning.
Dr. Adam Hamawy, who saved Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s life during the Iraq War 20 years ago, was among the doctors who remained in Gaza to provide medical assistance to those in need. Duckworth has been working to safely extract Hamawy from the conflict zone as Israel continues its assault on Gaza following the surprise invasion by Hamas militants on October 7th. The situation in Gaza remains critical with millions of Palestinians seeking shelter amid the ongoing violence. Amid the escalating conflict, the U.S. government has been actively involved in providing aid and support to those impacted by the violence.
With the majority of the U.S. doctors who were stuck in Gaza now safely departed, there are ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those who have chosen to remain behind to provide medical assistance. The situation in Gaza has been further complicated by the closure of border crossings and the expected full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah. The U.S. government’s involvement in facilitating the safe passage of the departing doctors highlights the importance of humanitarian aid and support in times of crisis. As the conflict continues to unfold, the efforts of medical professionals and aid organizations working on the ground remain crucial in providing assistance to those in need.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has raised concerns about civilian casualties and the impact of the violence on the local population. President Joe Biden’s decision to withhold certain weapons from Israel in the event of a ground offensive reflects a commitment to minimizing harm to civilians. Despite disagreements between the U.S. and Israeli governments over the operation in Rafah, efforts are being made to provide humanitarian aid and support to those affected by the conflict. The involvement of medical professionals and aid organizations in Gaza underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises and providing assistance to vulnerable populations.
