Palestinian-American doctor Jiab Suleiman was denied entry into Gaza by Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) while leading a medical mission for the third time since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. This denial is part of a new policy that restricts the entry of US healthcare workers with Palestinian heritage, as revealed in internal memos from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Medical aid organizations have been forced to avoid recruiting individuals with Palestinian backgrounds to comply with the policy, leading to incomplete staff on missions. The restrictions have caused distress among healthcare workers, with many being denied entry at the last minute.
Israel's new policy, implemented after a deadly ground offensive in Rafah in May, has further complicated the entry of medical supplies and personnel into Gaza. The closure of the Rafah crossing has redirected aid groups to use the Kerem Shalom crossing, impacting the delivery of essential medical assistance.
International aid organizations are urging Israel to lift the restrictions, emphasizing the critical need for medical teams in Gaza, where the healthcare system has been severely affected by the conflict. The closure of the Erez crossing and the destruction of hospitals have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA) and other organizations have been compelled to screen applicants for Palestinian heritage due to limited entry opportunities. This discriminatory policy has drawn criticism for hindering healthcare workers from providing much-needed assistance to the Palestinian population.
Despite the challenges, medical professionals like Dr. Suleiman and Dr. Musleh remain committed to serving their communities. The denial of entry based on heritage has sparked outrage and highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians in accessing healthcare and humanitarian aid.
