US doctors rubbish Israel's claims of Hamas misusing hospitals for 'military activities'

They demand immediate halt to US military, economic, and diplomatic support for Israel

A group of 99 American doctors who volunteered in Gaza have rejected Israel's assertions that Hamas is misusing hospitals for military activities.

In a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the physicians, who collectively spent 254 weeks in Gaza's healthcare facilities, described witnessing dire humanitarian conditions resulting from ongoing Israeli military attacks.

They emphasised, "not once did any of us see any type of Palestinian militant activity in any of Gaza's hospitals."

The letter details the suffering faced by women and children in hospitals, highlighting severe malnutrition and a critical shortage of medical supplies.

The doctors cited a July study from the medical journal Lancet, predicting that the cumulative effects of the conflict could lead to a death toll exceeding 186,000.

Pediatric nurse practitioner Asma Taha recounted heartbreaking experiences of infants dying due to malnutrition and lack of formula, while Dr. Mark Perlmutter shared the shocking reality of holding a deceased infant's brain in his hands.

Previously, Hamas had dismissed Israeli claims regarding the Al-Shifa hospital, once the largest medical facility in Gaza.

Ezzat El-Reshiq, a Hamas political official, stated that the allegations of Hamas using the hospital for military purposes lack credibility.

Israeli officials claim, without offering any evidence, that Hamas is turning hospitals into command centres and hiding places for militants, alleging that they store fuel for 'military operations' within these facilities.

The physicians called attention to Israel's systematic destruction of Gaza's healthcare system, demanding an immediate halt to US military, economic, and diplomatic support for Israel.

They argued that the ongoing displacement of malnourished and sick individuals, particularly children, into areas devoid of basic necessities like water and sanitation is "absolutely shocking."

The doctors urged the Biden administration to support an international arms embargo on both Israel and Palestinian factions until a permanent ceasefire is established and hostages from both sides are released.

They requested a meeting with Biden and Harris to discuss their observations and advocate for a fundamental shift in American policy regarding the Middle East.

With nearly 42,000 Palestinian casualties reported, mostly among women and children, the ongoing conflict has led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

In addition, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in nearly 2,000 deaths and displaced approximately 1.2 million people.

The call to action by the medical professionals aligns with growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and accusations against Israeli leadership of potential genocide at the International Court of Justice.