Stranded Amid Gaza Crisis: Israel Stops American Muslim Doctors From Returning Home

For a group of American Muslim doctors who traveled to Gaza on a humanitarian mission, what began as a healing journey has turned into an unanticipated ordeal. 

Despite the recent ceasefire, these medical professionals now find themselves unable to return home due to restrictions on movement, leaving them grappling with uncertainty, frustration, and the emotional toll of their work in a conflict zone.

A Mission of Mercy

Dr. Nimr Ikram, Dr. Asad Khan, and Dr. Shehzad Batliwala are three medical specialists from the DFW area who arrived on January 9 as part of a mission organized by Rahma, a respected global humanitarian group. 

Their goal was to provide critical medical care in one of the most volatile and dangerous regions in the world right now.

“We came with the intention to help, knowing the risks involved,” said Dr. Ikram, an orthopedic surgeon from Murphy. “I’ve been here before, but the scale of destruction and the need for care this time are unprecedented.”

During their time in Gaza, Dr. Ikram and his team faced relentless waves of casualties, often working around the clock. 

“On the first day alone, our orthopedic team performed seven amputations. Patients ranged from children as young as two to elderly civilians,” Dr. Ikram recounted.

For Dr. Batliwala, an ophthalmologist whose family lives in Prosper, the experience has been equally harrowing.

 “I’ve treated globe ruptures caused by shrapnel, a condition where the eyeball is literally sliced open. Three of these patients were children,” Dr.Batliwala said. “While we’ve done our best to repair the damage, their future vision remains uncertain.”

He admits that his parents had been opposed to him going, and cognisant of the danger involved, he even made a will before leaving for Gaza. 

Families Fearful at Home 

Dr.Ikram with wife Beenish Ikram

Rayyan with her father, Dr. Ikram

Speaking to AMT today, Dr. Batliwala’s father, Yusuf Batliwala, who is currently in India, shared his growing concern over his son’s inability to return home. “Initially, I wasn’t worried about Shehzad going to Gaza, as he’s doing incredible work, saving lives, and we are all so proud of him,” he said. “But now, with the delays in clearance, I’m deeply worried. We’re all praying for his safe return.”

The Ceasefire That Isn’t

The ceasefire, which came into effect on January 18, was supposed to bring relief. However, for the doctors and many others in Gaza, it has introduced new complications. The team was scheduled to leave on January 21, but their requests to travel south and exit through the border were denied repeatedly.

“We thought the ceasefire would make movement easier, but it seems to have added layers of bureaucracy,” Dr. Ikram explained. “There’s no clear communication, and the situation changes daily.”

One concerning event is that another medical delegation due to arrive from the U.S. has been stopped and told they cannot enter Gaza.

Dr.Batliwala echoed these sentiments, describing the uncertainty as “a logistical nightmare.” He added, “We were vetted extensively to enter Gaza. You’d think there would be a streamlined process for us to leave, but that’s not the case.”

The Emotional and Professional Toll

The inability to leave has added a layer of stress to an already grim situation. Both doctors expressed concern for their patients back home, who are now facing canceled surgeries and delayed treatments.

“While we came here to help, we also have a responsibility to our patients at home,” said Dr. Ikram. “The longer we stay, the more disruption we cause in their lives.” 

A doctor tends to children wounded in Israeli bombardments at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital/Anadolu AgencyDespite their challenges, the doctors have nothing but admiration for their local colleagues in Gaza. “These are some of the most dedicated and selfless physicians I’ve ever met,” said Dr. Batliwala. “They work with limited supplies in unimaginable conditions and still prioritize their patients over their own safety.”

Unprecedented Deaths of Health Professionals in Gaza

Systematic attacks on healthcare facilities by Israeli forces are intensifying what aid groups are calling the worst humanitarian crisis ever seen in Gaza.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the destruction of hospitals in Gaza as a “human rights catastrophe” unfolding “before the eyes of the world.” 

Speaking to ambassadors, he highlighted a troubling pattern of targeted attacks on healthcare facilities, including the killing of patients and staff and their forced displacement. Some doctors are reported to have been shot point-blank by the IDF. In November, Gaza's government media office reported that more than 1,000 doctors and nurses had been killed in Israeli attacks. The statement also claimed that over 310 other medical personnel were arrested, tortured, and executed while in prison.

 A woman clutches doctor’s scrubs as rescuers search for bodies at Gaza City's al-Shifa Hospital, destroyed by Israeli forces on April 8, 2024/Reuters

Rohan Talbot, director of advocacy and campaigns for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), said the situation was out of control. "Though now happening at an unprecedented rate in Gaza, attacks on Palestinian healthcare by the Israeli military have recurred over many years, ever worsening because of chronic impunity. This cannot continue any longer. Every potential serious violation must be independently investigated and those responsible brought to justice," Talbot said.

A Call for Accountability

Dr. Batliwala and Dr. Ikram emphasized the need for international attention and scrutiny.

“We’re safe for now, but we need guarantees that we can leave,” said Dr. Batliwala. “The lack of clear communication is troubling, and history has shown that trust can’t be easily placed in the authorities managing the situation.”

Dr. Ikram added, “We’re here as part of a humanitarian mission, not as political actors. It’s crucial that the global community ensure our safe passage, not just for us but for the credibility of such missions in the future.”

As these doctors continue to navigate the uncertainties of their extended stay in Gaza, they hope that their plight will serve as a reminder of the importance of international support for humanitarian workers and the people of Gaza alike.