Medical delegation denied entry to Gaza
Physicians for Human Rights team forced to turn back after IDF refuses to let them cross into Strip citing security considerations. 'We have no intention of violating Yom Kippur, we only want to care for the sick,' says delegation's leader
A Physicians for Human Rights delegation, made up of Israeli Arab doctors who were planning to enter the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, was denied entry due to security considerations.
The delegation, which included surgeons, orthopedists, an oncologist, a psychologist and a social worker, was scheduled to enter Gaza carrying advanced medical equipment, in order to care for Palestinians hospitalized in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis and Gaza's Shifa Hospital.
A PHR statement released following the military's decision, claimed that the IDF revoked its original consent to the trip while the doctors were already on their way to the area.
"We have 350 patients waiting for us in Khan Younis," said Salah Haj Yehia, who headed the delegation. "Some of the patients are in serious condition and some were refused entry to Israel for treatment.
"We were given the necessary authorization on Monday, but this morning I got a call that it was revoked… We have no intention of violating the sanctity of Yom Kippur," he added. "We only wanted to use this time off to care for the sick."
The statement further noted that the IDF prohibits the participation of any Jewish doctors in medical delegations to the Strip, which is a discriminatory action.
The IDF Spokesperson's Office said that it was familiar with the case and that its details were being reviewed.
