Story perspectives

Medics Denied Gaza Entry Amid Aid Restrictions, NGOs Protest

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Medics from the United Kingdom and United States report being denied entry to Gaza after speaking out.
They say refusals are arbitrary and tied to advocacy, naming James Smith, an emergency doctor, and Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian-American physician.
Humanitarian organizations criticize Israel's restrictions for obstructing aid and independent medical assessments.
A UK government spokesperson urges Israel to lift humanitarian aid restrictions as 37 NGOs were ordered to cease operations in Gaza.

1 of 1

Story summary

Medics from the United Kingdom and United States report being denied entry to Gaza after speaking out.
They say refusals are arbitrary and tied to advocacy, naming James Smith, an emergency doctor, and Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian-American physician.
Humanitarian organizations criticize Israel's restrictions for obstructing aid and independent medical assessments.
A UK government spokesperson urges Israel to lift humanitarian aid restrictions as 37 NGOs were ordered to cease operations in Gaza.