By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Dallas: A group of American healthcare professionals, including a majority of Pakistani-American citizens, currently in Gaza for humanitarian work, has been stopped by Israeli authorities in northern Gaza. These medical professionals, who had traveled to the region on a mission to serve humanity, are now unable to leave due to restrictions imposed by Israeli officials. Their families are deeply concerned about their safety.
These medical professionals have been saving the lives of the most vulnerable individuals in Gaza, but the blockade prevents them from moving south. Among them are surgeons who are eager to return to the United States to care for their patients, with surgeries scheduled for Monday, January 27, 2025. Dedicated to their mission of serving humanity, this medical team is now urgently appealing for help to return to safety and fulfill their responsibilities back home.
Israeli authorities have effectively blocked the 11 American doctors and nurses from leaving northern Gaza, putting their lives at significant risk as the region continues to face heavy bombardment. The families of these professionals are extremely worried about their safety and have urged the U.S. government and the international community to take immediate action to secure a safe passage for them.
The following are the names of the doctors and nurses currently trapped in northern Gaza:
1.Dr. Nimr Ikram (Dallas, Texas)
2.Dr. Omair Ilyas (California)
3.Dr. Aslam Akhtar (California)
4.Dr. Tarik Elmohd (Tampa Bay, Florida)
5.Dr. Mohamed Saleh (Denver, Colorado)
6.Dr. Sameer Ahmad (Downey, California)
7.Dr. Omar Malas (Toledo, Ohio)
8.Dr. Asad Khan (Dallas, Texas)
9.Nurse Nor Rizek (Arizona)
10.Nurse Marie Zhang (Ohio)
11.Dr. Shehzad Batliwala (Texas)
These healthcare professionals had traveled to Gaza on humanitarian grounds and are still providing critical services to those in need. Their families stated that their lives are now in jeopardy, and immediate action is needed to bring them back safely. Time is running out, and swift intervention is necessary to ensure their safe return.
