More than 20 American doctors are currently stranded in Gaza due to Israel’s closure of the Rafah border crossing into Egypt after the invasion, as reported by sources familiar with the situation of two medical missions.
Israel’s blockade of fuel, food, and water entering Rafah has lasted over a week, resulting in severe dehydration among the local population and the doctors on the mission.
Efforts are being made by the State Department to rescue the doctors, in coordination with the United Nations and the Israel Defense Forces. However, a recent incident where the Israeli military fired on a United Nations vehicle has raised concerns about the safety of evacuation attempts.
Among the stranded doctors is Adam Hamawy, a plastic surgeon and Army veteran from New Jersey, known for saving the life of Senator Tammy Duckworth. The doctors are facing water shortages and deteriorating health conditions due to dehydration.
The dire situation of the medical mission highlights the challenges faced by Palestinians under the prolonged Israeli siege, with over 1 million people trapped in Rafah. As Israel threatens a full-scale invasion, the doctors remain stranded in difficult conditions.
Efforts are being made to evacuate the doctors, with a trial evacuation scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The State Department is working with Israeli and Egyptian authorities to facilitate the safe departure of the stranded doctors.
Update: May 13, 2024, 5:33 p.m. ET This article has been updated to include information about upcoming evacuation plans from Rafah and the identification of one of the trapped doctors, Adam Hamawy.
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