Crisis in Gaza: British Doctor Forced to Return to War-Torn Zone
British doctor trapped in Gaza, flees with family but forced back to war zone by Egyptian officials who claim his name is not on the evacuation list Dire situation highlights the urgent need for immediate intervention and protection of innocent lives
According to a British Member of Parliament, Dr. Ahmed Sabra, a British doctor who was able to leave Gaza with his family, has been returned to the war-torn area after Egyptian officials informed him that his name was not on the list of evacuees. Geraint Davies, the MP for Swansea West in Wales, where Sabra resides and works as a consultant for the National Health Service, stated that Sabra was present in Gaza when Israel initiated its war against Hamas following the militant group's attacks on October 7.
Davies shared video and voice notes of Sabra's perilous journey with his wife and children to the Rafah crossing in the hopes of finding safety in Egypt before returning home. However, despite Sabra's family being allowed to pass, Davies was not included in the approved list of foreign nationals.
Sabra, in a video shared with CNN by Davies, declared, "This is a sentence of death." He further emphasized, "I implore the British government to fulfill their responsibility and evacuate me and fellow British citizens to ensure our safe return home."
Davies informed CNN that he and Sabra are unaware of the reason behind his exclusion from the list. The MP has already brought up the issue with the UK Foreign Office.
"He has now been left stranded in the street by the UK, without any shelter, only 10% phone battery, and limited data, all in a highly dangerous area. I wouldn't want anyone to experience this," expressed Davies.
Seeking assistance from the FCDO, he urges the UK to utilize all available resources to ensure the safe return of both him and his family from the threatening situation. In recorded messages, the doctor reveals that he, along with three fellow British citizens, endured a 2.5-day wait at the border in anticipation of the British embassy's intervention.
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Sabra was offered food, beverages, and a sleeping arrangement on a sofa while awaiting, as informed by Davies. However, in due course, he was escorted back to Gaza via bus. According to Davies, Sabra stated he had maintained regular communication with both the British Foreign Office and the British embassy in Egypt prior to his return.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office informed CNN on Thursday that they are working tirelessly to facilitate the departure of all British nationals in Gaza who wish to leave.
This process entails providing all pertinent information of British nationals and eligible dependents to the Israeli and Egyptian authorities. Subsequently, the authorities carefully assess each case and grant permission for crossing.
The statement said that the office is in contact with British Nationals in Gaza and UK teams are sent to the border to receive anyone allowed to leave.
It made no mention of Sabras case.
CNN also contacted the British Embassy in Egypt for comment.
More than 4,800 people signed an online petition as of Friday to call for the British authorities to speed up efforts to evacuate Sabra.
The British Islamic Medical Association issued a statement on Thursday, calling for the immediate evacuation of Dr. Sabra and other British citizens stuck in Gaza. British Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell confirmed that over 150 British nationals have already exited Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt.
They are among more than 2,000 foreigners who have been evacuated from Gaza since Egyptian authorities agreed to open the border on November 1, according to a CNN tally.
