American Doctors Urge Biden to Halt Military Support to Israel
In a powerful call to action, 99 American doctors who volunteered in Gaza have urged President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to immediately cease military support to Israel. In their joint letter, they condemned the ongoing violence and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, stating that the support from the U.S. contributes to the deaths of innocent civilians, particularly children.
The doctors, representing a diverse coalition of backgrounds, shared their harrowing experiences in Gaza, where they witnessed the devastating impact of Israeli attacks on the population. They reported that since October 7, 2023, the death toll in Gaza has soared, with estimates suggesting that over 118,908 lives have been lost, equivalent to 5.4% of the territory's population. The doctors emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and called for an international arms embargo on both Israel and armed Palestinian factions.
In their letter, the physicians expressed their distress over the malnutrition and dire living conditions faced by Gazans, particularly children. They recounted instances of mothers providing contaminated food and water to their underweight children, highlighting the humanitarian neglect in the region. The doctors criticized Israel's evacuation orders that forced malnourished civilians into areas lacking basic necessities like running water and sanitation facilities.
Orthopedic surgeon Mark Perlmutter, one of the signatories, recounted his experiences, stating, “It is impossible that young children were shot accidentally or unintentionally.” He and his colleagues called upon the U.S. government to reconsider its arms supply to Israel, arguing that every day weapons continue to flow into the region, more lives are lost.
The letter concluded with a poignant plea: “Stop this madness now.” The ongoing conflict, exacerbated by American support, has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with reports indicating that over 138,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded since the escalation began. The situation in Gaza is being described as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent history, demanding immediate international attention and action.
