Medics in UK and US Say They Have Been Barred from Gaza After Speaking Out
Medical professionals from the United Kingdom and the United States believe they have been denied re-entry to Gaza after providing first-hand testimony on the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate a significant rise in refusal rates, with doctors and humanitarian organizations describing what they perceive as arbitrary denials by Israeli authorities.
Accusations of Political Targeting
Under international law, Israel is required to facilitate the rapid passage of humanitarian aid. However, medics who spoke with the Guardian allege that their refusals stem from their public advocacy. Many were given no reason for being blocked, leading to suspicions that their outspokenness on conditions in Gaza is the cause.
Among those affected is James Smith, an emergency doctor who has not returned to Gaza since June 2024. He was denied entry on two consecutive occasions in 2025 without explanation. Smith, who traveled with the nonprofit Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), suggested that his public profile and political expressions might have influenced the decision.
"Not just had I spoken to media outlets but I had spoken in a particular way," said Smith, referencing Israel's registration guidelines for NGOs, which include considerations for those who have called for boycotts. "It's the expression of my politics that must have rattled them."
Wider Pattern of Restrictions
After a ceasefire announcement in October, the death toll in Gaza continues to climb, and humanitarian groups criticize barriers to aid and medical evacuations. In August, the World Health Organisation reported that denial rates for international health professionals increased by nearly 50%, with 102 people barred since March 18.
Khaled Dawas, a consultant surgeon, stated from London that it is clear those who have been vocal have been targeted. "I can't think of anything else," he said. "I'm not military. I don't carry anything. I'm no different to the colleagues who have gone in. The only difference is that they haven't spoken up as much." Dawas was denied entry in August and November 2025 after traveling to Gaza in 2024.
Thaer Ahmad, an emergency physician from Chicago, was denied entry four times, most recently in January. As a Palestinian-American, he believes his identity and advocacy since his 2024 visit contributed to the blockades, with Israeli authorities citing security concerns.
"This idea of weaponising access and weaponising aid, it's engrained in all of the decisions that we see are being made in Gaza," said Ahmad, urging governments to assist doctors in appealing decisions.
Impact on Humanitarian Operations
Concerns escalated after 37 NGOs active in Gaza were told in December to cease operations, including the UK-based MAP. For six months, MAP has been unable to send medical workers or aid into Gaza, with no reasons provided for the blockades.
Steve Cutt, MAP's chief executive, called the denials a "deliberate measure" by Israeli authorities, with life-and-death consequences for Palestinians. "Israel's deregistration of international NGOs and restrictions on medical personnel are part of a wider pattern of measures that are cruelly blocking humanitarian assistance and obstructing independent medical witnesses," he said.
Humanitarian organizations typically share lists of volunteer medics with the WHO before deployment. Some medics discovered they were denied entry just 24 hours before their scheduled date after traveling to Jordan, while others received rejections days before departure from the UK ahead of Israeli holidays.
Official Responses and Legal Challenges
Cogat, the Israeli military agency controlling access to Gaza, dismissed the claims as "false and unfounded." The agency stated, "They stem from ulterior interests of organisations that refuse to operate transparently and to cooperate with Israel's registration process, which is based on clear professional and security criteria designed to safeguard the integrity of the humanitarian system." Cogat added that Israel continues to act to strengthen Gaza's healthcare system.
A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson noted that the foreign secretary met with denied medical teams late last year, emphasizing that Israel must lift restrictions to allow aid in line with international humanitarian law.
A petition filed to the Israeli supreme court cites seven cases of alleged illegal refusals, including that of Graeme Groom, an orthopaedic surgeon from London and co-founder of the charity Ideals. Groom, who has visited Gaza over 40 times, has been denied entry three times since October 7 without explanation.
"We think it may be because we are bearing witness to what is happening in Gaza," he said. "Denying us entry is an extension of the policy which has excluded international journalists, and kills Palestinian journalists."
Victoria Rose, a London-based consultant plastic surgeon denied entry alongside Groom in late 2025, speculated that the blockades might target effective and knowledgeable individuals rather than just outspoken critics. "They don't want anyone going that knows the system, is useful, that is effective, that's where it seems to be. I don't necessarily think they've got a handle of what I've done or said," she said.
