Gaza Medics Barred in UK, US Amid Rising Aid Concerns

Published: 17 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Gaza medics have emerged at the centre of concern after UK and US doctors reported being barred from entering Gaza, raising alarms over restrictions on humanitarian access. Medical professionals and aid workers say their entry was denied after speaking publicly about conditions, highlighting growing fears over politicisation of medical access in the region. Doctors serving with international organisations described refusals as arbitrary, often receiving no explanation, suggesting that public statements or prior experience in Gaza may trigger such denials. International law requires unimpeded humanitarian aid, yet Gaza medics increasingly face repeated blockages.

Among those affected is James Smith, a UK emergency doctor blocked from Gaza since June 2024. Despite two attempts in 2025, Smith received no explanation. He believes his public statements and media engagement influenced the decision, saying, “It’s the expression of my politics that must have rattled them.” His experience underscores concerns that testimony from humanitarian work is being treated as a political risk, directly impacting Gaza medics’ ability to operate.

Khaled Dawas, a London-based consultant surgeon, echoed these frustrations, noting that outspoken doctors are more frequently denied entry than peers who remain silent. “I can’t think of anything else,” Dawas said. Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian-American emergency physician from Chicago, faced four refusals since 2024, attributing part of the restriction to his identity and advocacy efforts. Authorities cited security concerns, but many argue that these denials reflect political motives, directly affecting international Gaza medics.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in August that denial rates for international health professionals had risen nearly 50%, with 102 individuals barred as of 18 March 2025. The restrictions coincide with a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where casualties continue to rise. International organisations warn that continued denial of entry threatens patient care and humanitarian response, placing Gaza medics in a precarious position.

Recent deregistration of 37 NGOs in Gaza, including the UK-based Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), has further complicated access. MAP has been unable to send staff or aid for six months, describing the actions as deliberate barriers. Steve Cutt, MAP’s chief executive, said, “Israel’s restrictions on medical personnel are cruelly blocking humanitarian aid and obstructing independent medical witnesses.” Petitions filed with Israel’s supreme court cite multiple cases of alleged illegal refusals of entry, highlighting the systemic challenges faced by Gaza medics.

Medical workers often discover denials just hours before planned entry or days prior to travel, disrupting aid delivery. Cogat, Israel’s military authority overseeing Gaza access, denied claims, asserting that their registration process protects humanitarian integrity while supporting local healthcare. UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials urged Israel to lift restrictions immediately, emphasizing obligations under international law to allow medical supplies, food, and fuel.

The barring of international Gaza medics illustrates the politicisation of access and its life-and-death consequences. Witnesses, including Graeme Groom, a London orthopaedic surgeon, highlight repeated refusals seemingly tied to independent reporting of Gaza conditions. Victoria Rose, a London plastic surgeon, suggested authorities may be targeting experienced professionals capable of effective assistance, rather than simply reacting to public statements.

Global advocates emphasise that transparent, impartial access is vital to support the health system in Gaza. Repeated refusals and NGO deregistrations threaten the effectiveness of humanitarian operations, underscoring the urgent need for reform. Observers insist that entry policies for Gaza medics should prioritise professional expertise over political considerations, ensuring healthcare reaches those in urgent need.

As the humanitarian crisis continues, international pressure mounts to guarantee unobstructed access for medical personnel. Denial of entry for UK and US medics has amplified global attention, highlighting the risks posed to impartial healthcare delivery. Experts warn that politicising access undermines international humanitarian standards and endangers both patients and the credibility of aid organisations.

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