Israel blocks planned exit of US doctors and nurses from Gaza, group says

Doctors Against Genocide said Israel denied exit to 11 American doctors and nurses from Gaza and called on the US government, the international community and humanitarian organisations to secure their safe evacuation in a statement.

The doctors' mission was authorised by Israeli authorities on 9 January 2024, with plans for their safe departure on 22 January 2025, the group said. However, Israeli authorities have since denied their requests to move south, preventing them from leaving northern Gaza.

"The Israeli blockade preventing their movement from northern to southern Gaza has placed their lives at imminent risk amid heavy bombardment, despite an ongoing ceasefire," the group said.

"This is not only a humanitarian crisis but an urgent matter of life and death."