Photo courtesy of Fox 4 News
DALLAS – A North Texas ophthalmologist who traveled to Gaza as part of a humanitarian medical team is now stranded in the conflict-ridden region, facing uncertainty as he awaits clearance to return home.
A Mission to Provide Critical Care
Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, a Dallas-based eye surgeon, arrived in Gaza on January 9 to provide essential medical aid alongside the international humanitarian organization Rahma Worldwide. Working out of a hospital in northern Gaza, he has been treating numerous patients suffering from severe eye injuries caused by explosions and projectiles.
“The level of devastation here is beyond words,” Dr. Batliwala said, describing the dire conditions on the ground.
Beyond the overwhelming number of patients, the team faces a severe shortage of medical supplies. Even basic resources like electricity are unreliable.
“Forget surgical consumables—we’re struggling with the most basic necessities. During at least four or five surgeries, the power just went out completely,” he explained.
Navigating Challenges Amid Conflict
Despite these hardships, Dr. Batliwala and his team have successfully treated dozens of individuals wounded in the ongoing violence.
“Before the ceasefire, explosions were constant. We could hear bombs going off, feel the building shake. I’d look at my scrub technicians with concern, but they’d just say, ‘Yeah, it’s normal,’” he recalled.
With a ceasefire now in place and their humanitarian work completed, Dr. Batliwala and ten other U.S. citizens on his team are attempting to return home. However, their requests for clearance to travel to the southern border have been repeatedly denied—without explanation.
“We were told there was an incident at the checkpoints, and as a result, they’ve been shut down,” he said.
This blockage not only delays their departure but also prevents the next team of doctors from crossing in from Jordan, further jeopardizing access to critical medical care for those still in need.
Awaiting Answers
Dr. Batliwala and his team remain in close contact with their organization, which is actively coordinating with the U.S. State Department in hopes of securing a resolution.
For now, they remain safe at a hospital in northern Gaza, uncertain about when they will be able to return home.
