Washington DC – A delegation of American and British doctors recently returned from Gaza to Washington DC, where they are urging the Biden administration to address the dire situation in the region. These doctors have witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by the Israeli military’s actions, which they claim are deliberately targeting Gaza’s health infrastructure to drive Palestinians from their homes.
Professor Nick Maynard, a former director for cancer services at Oxford University, described the Israeli Defense Forces’ actions as “appalling atrocities,” highlighting the systematic destruction of healthcare facilities and personnel. The doctors stress that without an immediate ceasefire, the increased aid promised to Palestinians will have little impact on the ground.
The United Nations has reported that none of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are fully functional, with many being partially working or completely destroyed. The crisis in the hospitals has been exacerbated by the killing and arrest of healthcare workers by the Israeli military, leading to a severe shortage of medical personnel and resources.
The doctors fear that the closure and damage to hospitals are part of a broader strategy to force Palestinians out of their homes. They emphasize the urgent need for a ceasefire to allow for the safe distribution of food and the revival of healthcare services in Gaza.
Thaer Ahmad, a Chicago doctor who volunteered in Gaza, highlighted the urgency of the situation, pointing out that the damage to the healthcare system is putting thousands of lives at risk. The doctors estimate that tens of thousands of Palestinians with severe injuries are not receiving adequate treatment, leading to preventable deaths and long-term disabilities.
In addition to the healthcare crisis, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are facing imminent starvation due to Israeli restrictions on food supplies. The doctors warn that large-scale food deliveries will have limited impact without a ceasefire in place, as ongoing military action hinders the distribution of aid to those in need.
The delegation of doctors is calling on US national security council officials and members of Congress to take decisive action to pressure Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They are determined to ensure that the full extent of the atrocities and suffering in Gaza is brought to light and addressed by the international community.