Seventeen out of 20 U.S. doctors stuck in Gaza have departed, with the remaining three, including Dr. Adam Hamawy known for saving Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s life, choosing to stay behind. The doctors were all but trapped in Gaza due to Israel’s closure of border crossings before an expected full-scale Israeli invasion of the city of Rafah. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem facilitated the safe passage of the departing doctors, who were received by U.S. officials at the Israel border. Dr. Ammar Ghanem, an ICU specialist from Detroit, confirmed that a group of American medical volunteers left Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing on Friday.
The State Department spokesperson stated that they have been in close contact with the groups of U.S. doctors in Gaza and their families. The source revealed that the three doctors who opted to stay behind are aware that the U.S. Embassy may not be able to facilitate their departure in the same way as the departing doctors. President Joe Biden has expressed concern for civilian casualties and has said that certain weapons and artillery shells would not be provided to Israel if it launches a ground offensive in Rafah. The U.S. had previously halted a shipment of offensive weapons bound for Israel amid the escalating conflict in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a disagreement with Biden over the military operation in Gaza, stating that the operation was moving forward swiftly despite the concerns. The United States has constructed a floating pier to move truckloads of humanitarian aid into Gaza, with the shipments beginning on Friday morning. Sen. Tammy Duckworth has been involved in efforts to safely extricate Dr. Adam Hamawy from Gaza, which has been under attack by Israel following a surprise invasion by Hamas militants on October 7th. The situation in Gaza has escalated into a full-scale war following the initial attack by Hamas.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with millions of Palestinians in need of aid due to the ongoing conflict. The U.S. doctors who volunteered to provide medical assistance in Gaza have faced challenges due to the closure of border crossings and the escalating violence. The situation has drawn international attention, with the U.S. government and other countries working to provide aid and support to the affected population. The decision of Dr. Hamawy and two other doctors to stay behind in Gaza highlights the dedication and commitment of medical professionals to provide care to those in need, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.
