• EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

    PLEASE, DON'T DOUBT WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART ONE)
    ****************************************
    “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
    (2 Timothy 3:1.)

    Apostle Paul, was writing from a prison cell in Rome, knowing that his own death was at hand. He was warning his young protégé Timothy of difficult days to come. Although he never loses his faith in God, it is clear that he was deeply concerned about the trends he saw all around him.

    Hard times were coming; days of stress were just around the corner. If a man was not ready, if he didn’t brace himself in advance, he might be washed away when things got really hot. Evidence around us confirms the authenticity of Paul's warning. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE DEVIL IS NO LONGER HIDING, YET MANY OF US, SIMPLY REFUSED TO SEE HIM,AND IT'S SADDENING.

    The verse 1 of our key scripture can easily pass off as the summary of the whole chapter.
    “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days”
    (II Timothy 3:1).
    Two questions come to mind;
    First, what does Paul mean by the expression, “last days?”
    One can attribute at least three meanings to the phrase. It can apply to the entire period between the first and second comings of Christ Jesus .Since Christ Jesus could have come at any time, the entire church age can be called the “last days.”
    It also applies to unique periods of spiritual testing that occur at different times in different places. Finally, it obviously applies to the last few weeks and months and years preceding our Lord’s return to the earth.

    I find it helpful to think in terms of labor pains. A pregnant woman knows when she is about to give birth by the frequency and severity of her labour pains. In the same way, the various things that Paul lists in the first few verses of 2 Timothy 3 will always be present in some form, but will increase dramatically near the end of the age. Are we in the “last days?”
    No matter how you define it, the answer is yes. And we may indeed be living in the final days before the return of Christ Jesus to the earth.

    Second, what will the “last days” be like?
    The “last days” will be fierce, violent, dangerous and frightening. Here’s another word we could use: In the last days, savage times will come as men cast off all moral restraint and society begins to disintegrate.
    The importance of the prophecy and warning against the perilous times cannot be over emphasised. Yes, we're living in the age of the fulfillment of the "Perilous times!"

    So Paul warns Timothy, “After I am gone, things are going to get worse before they get better. Buckle up, Timothy. Terrible times are coming.” That’s why Paul said, “Mark this,” or “Understand this,” or “Pay attention to this.” Don’t be naïve and think that everything is going to be okay. It’s not all going to be okay. But, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. If we know what is going to happen, we won’t be surprised when it does.

    Alright, let's get going on Perilous Times.

    The first five verses of 2Timothy 3:1-5 offer a sobering escalation of corruption.
    In a sense, this is a shorter version of Romans 1:18-32.

    This is what happens when we turn our back on God. First, there is a total rejection of God. People are unholy, ungrateful, lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. This leads to a total moral collapse. People become lovers of money, conceited, without love toward others, boastful, proud, unforgiving, conceited, “not lovers of what is good.”

    You see, every action has an effect. Naturally, our rejection of God should necessarily have its consequences.
    And so our disobedience produced a total breakdown of society.(Law and order).People will be treacherous, rash, slanderous, brutal, disobedient to parents, abusive and without self-control.

    By implications, this means that,(like in the time of the Book of Judges) in the end, *ANYTHING GOES.* No rules, no moral absolutes, no restraints of any kind. Every man does that which is right in his own eyes, and woe to the person who dares to question his or her “lifestyle choices.”

    We should specifically note that Paul includes “DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS.”
    It may seem too trivial to be in such a solemn list, but for aged Paul, disobedience is the spark that ignites the flame that leaves the home in ashes. (Is it any wonder that divorce has become common place or that many people want to redefine marriage to allow for homosexuals to marry each other? Of course, it’s not surprising, and we haven’t even reached the bottom of the pit of moral degradation yet.)

    In the light of Bible prophecy, we should expect that as we approach the end times, all these things will increase in intensity and frequency, until we have the situation portrayed in the Book of Revelation, the total implosion of the social order as men utterly rebel against God and destroy themselves and the world in the process. Perhaps this is why Christ Jesus said that unless those days were shortened, no one would survive (Matthew 24:22).

    And as per "Religious Rebels;"

    We haven’t gotten to the bad news yet.
    That comes in verse 5: “Having a FORM of GODLINESS but DENYING its POWER. Have nothing to do with them.” The word “form” means something like, “having the outward appearance” of godliness. That is, in the last days, as men turn away from God, paradoxically, they will become more religious, not less.

    Religion will become more popular as we approach the end times because people will seek some refuge in a world that increasingly has lost its way. They will ask the RIGHT QUESTIONS, but will FOLLOW the WRONG ANSWERS.
    It will be religion for religion’s sake, not religion for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus. They will join the church (or some other religious organization), they will be baptized, attend the services, sing and pray and give and go through the motions, but their hearts will not be in it. They will deny the very power they profess to believe.

    In particular, they will embrace a kind of post-modern religion that allows them to do anything, believe anything, endorse anything, live any way they choose as long as it makes them happy. They will say things like, “We don’t need to be bound by the outdated rules of the Bible. Those were written 2,000 years ago and don’t apply to us today.” That’s not far-fetched. You can say things like that today and be elected a bishop in some denominations.

    Notice how Paul says we are to RESPOND to these FALSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS: “HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM”(v5)

    That’s clear, isn’t it? It’s also judgmental, narrow-minded, rude, unkind, unfair (in the eyes of many people), and a host of other things that are NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT TODAY. But the WORD of THE LORD REMAINS. We are to have nothing to do with religious people who do not believe the Bible and do not accept ITS AUTHORITY over EVERY AREA OF LIFE, including sexual morality.
    Such people are religious but lost. We ain't done yet...will be back shortly !
    EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1) 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 PLEASE, DON'T DOUBT👉 WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART ONE) **************************************** “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1.) Apostle Paul, was writing from a prison cell in Rome, knowing that his own death was at hand. He was warning his young protégé Timothy of difficult days to come. Although he never loses his faith in God, it is clear that he was deeply concerned about the trends he saw all around him. Hard times were coming; days of stress were just around the corner. If a man was not ready, if he didn’t brace himself in advance, he might be washed away when things got really hot. Evidence around us confirms the authenticity of Paul's warning. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE DEVIL IS NO LONGER HIDING, YET MANY OF US, SIMPLY REFUSED TO SEE HIM,AND IT'S SADDENING. The verse 1 of our key scripture can easily pass off as the summary of the whole chapter. 👉“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days” (II Timothy 3:1). Two questions come to mind; First, what does Paul mean by the expression, “last days?” One can attribute at least three meanings to the phrase. It can apply to the entire period between the first and second comings of Christ Jesus .Since Christ Jesus could have come at any time, the entire church age can be called the “last days.” It also applies to unique periods of spiritual testing that occur at different times in different places. Finally, it obviously applies to the last few weeks and months and years preceding our Lord’s return to the earth. I find it helpful to think in terms of labor pains. A pregnant woman knows when she is about to give birth by the frequency and severity of her labour pains. In the same way, the various things that Paul lists in the first few verses of 2 Timothy 3 will always be present in some form, but will increase dramatically near the end of the age. Are we in the “last days?” No matter how you define it, the answer is yes. And we may indeed be living in the final days before the return of Christ Jesus to the earth. Second, what will the “last days” be like? The “last days” will be fierce, violent, dangerous and frightening. Here’s another word we could use: In the last days, savage times will come as men cast off all moral restraint and society begins to disintegrate. The importance of the prophecy and warning against the perilous times cannot be over emphasised. Yes, we're living in the age of the fulfillment of the "Perilous times!" So Paul warns Timothy, “After I am gone, things are going to get worse before they get better. Buckle up, Timothy. Terrible times are coming.” That’s why Paul said, “Mark this,” or “Understand this,” or “Pay attention to this.” Don’t be naïve and think that everything is going to be okay. It’s not all going to be okay. But, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. If we know what is going to happen, we won’t be surprised when it does. 👉Alright, let's get going on Perilous Times. The first five verses of 2Timothy 3:1-5 offer a sobering escalation of corruption. In a sense, this is a shorter version of Romans 1:18-32. This is what happens when we turn our back on God. First, there is a total rejection of God. People are unholy, ungrateful, lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. This leads to a total moral collapse. People become lovers of money, conceited, without love toward others, boastful, proud, unforgiving, conceited, “not lovers of what is good.” 👉You see, every action has an effect. Naturally, our rejection of God should necessarily have its consequences. And so our disobedience produced a total breakdown of society.(Law and order).People will be treacherous, rash, slanderous, brutal, disobedient to parents, abusive and without self-control. By implications, this means that,(like in the time of the Book of Judges) in the end, *ANYTHING GOES.* No rules, no moral absolutes, no restraints of any kind. Every man does that which is right in his own eyes, and woe to the person who dares to question his or her “lifestyle choices.” We should specifically note that Paul includes “DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS.” It may seem too trivial to be in such a solemn list, but for aged Paul, disobedience is the spark that ignites the flame that leaves the home in ashes. (Is it any wonder that divorce has become common place or that many people want to redefine marriage to allow for homosexuals to marry each other? Of course, it’s not surprising, and we haven’t even reached the bottom of the pit of moral degradation yet.) 👉In the light of Bible prophecy, we should expect that as we approach the end times, all these things will increase in intensity and frequency, until we have the situation portrayed in the Book of Revelation, the total implosion of the social order as men utterly rebel against God and destroy themselves and the world in the process. Perhaps this is why Christ Jesus said that unless those days were shortened, no one would survive (Matthew 24:22). 👉And as per "Religious Rebels;" We haven’t gotten to the bad news yet. That comes in verse 5: “Having a FORM of GODLINESS but DENYING its POWER. Have nothing to do with them.” The word “form” means something like, “having the outward appearance” of godliness. That is, in the last days, as men turn away from God, paradoxically, they will become more religious, not less. Religion will become more popular as we approach the end times because people will seek some refuge in a world that increasingly has lost its way. They will ask the RIGHT QUESTIONS, but will FOLLOW the WRONG ANSWERS. It will be religion for religion’s sake, not religion for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus. They will join the church (or some other religious organization), they will be baptized, attend the services, sing and pray and give and go through the motions, but their hearts will not be in it. They will deny the very power they profess to believe. 👉In particular, they will embrace a kind of post-modern religion that allows them to do anything, believe anything, endorse anything, live any way they choose as long as it makes them happy. They will say things like, “We don’t need to be bound by the outdated rules of the Bible. Those were written 2,000 years ago and don’t apply to us today.” That’s not far-fetched. You can say things like that today and be elected a bishop in some denominations. Notice how Paul says we are to RESPOND to these FALSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS: “HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM”(v5) That’s clear, isn’t it? It’s also judgmental, narrow-minded, rude, unkind, unfair (in the eyes of many people), and a host of other things that are NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT TODAY. But the WORD of THE LORD REMAINS. We are to have nothing to do with religious people who do not believe the Bible and do not accept ITS AUTHORITY over EVERY AREA OF LIFE, including sexual morality. Such people are religious but lost. We ain't done yet...will be back shortly 🙇🙏❤️!
    0 Comments 0 Shares 4580 Views
  • EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

    PLEASE, DON'T DOUBT WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART ONE)
    ****************************************
    “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
    (2 Timothy 3:1.)

    Apostle Paul, was writing from a prison cell in Rome, knowing that his own death was at hand. He was warning his young protégé Timothy of difficult days to come. Although he never loses his faith in God, it is clear that he was deeply concerned about the trends he saw all around him.

    Hard times were coming; days of stress were just around the corner. If a man was not ready, if he didn’t brace himself in advance, he might be washed away when things got really hot. Evidence around us confirms the authenticity of Paul's warning. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE DEVIL IS NO LONGER HIDING, YET MANY OF US, SIMPLY REFUSED TO SEE HIM,AND IT'S SADDENING.

    The verse 1 of our key scripture can easily pass off as the summary of the whole chapter.
    “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days”
    (II Timothy 3:1).
    Two questions come to mind;
    First, what does Paul mean by the expression, “last days?”
    One can attribute at least three meanings to the phrase. It can apply to the entire period between the first and second comings of Christ Jesus .Since Christ Jesus could have come at any time, the entire church age can be called the “last days.”
    It also applies to unique periods of spiritual testing that occur at different times in different places. Finally, it obviously applies to the last few weeks and months and years preceding our Lord’s return to the earth.

    I find it helpful to think in terms of labor pains. A pregnant woman knows when she is about to give birth by the frequency and severity of her labour pains. In the same way, the various things that Paul lists in the first few verses of 2 Timothy 3 will always be present in some form, but will increase dramatically near the end of the age. Are we in the “last days?”
    No matter how you define it, the answer is yes. And we may indeed be living in the final days before the return of Christ Jesus to the earth.

    Second, what will the “last days” be like?
    The “last days” will be fierce, violent, dangerous and frightening. Here’s another word we could use: In the last days, savage times will come as men cast off all moral restraint and society begins to disintegrate.
    The importance of the prophecy and warning against the perilous times cannot be over emphasised. Yes, we're living in the age of the fulfillment of the "Perilous times!"

    So Paul warns Timothy, “After I am gone, things are going to get worse before they get better. Buckle up, Timothy. Terrible times are coming.” That’s why Paul said, “Mark this,” or “Understand this,” or “Pay attention to this.” Don’t be naïve and think that everything is going to be okay. It’s not all going to be okay. But, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. If we know what is going to happen, we won’t be surprised when it does.

    Alright, let's get going on Perilous Times.

    The first five verses of 2Timothy 3:1-5 offer a sobering escalation of corruption.
    In a sense, this is a shorter version of Romans 1:18-32.

    This is what happens when we turn our back on God. First, there is a total rejection of God. People are unholy, ungrateful, lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. This leads to a total moral collapse. People become lovers of money, conceited, without love toward others, boastful, proud, unforgiving, conceited, “not lovers of what is good.”

    You see, every action has an effect. Naturally, our rejection of God should necessarily have its consequences.
    And so our disobedience produced a total breakdown of society.(Law and order).People will be treacherous, rash, slanderous, brutal, disobedient to parents, abusive and without self-control.

    By implications, this means that,(like in the time of the Book of Judges) in the end, *ANYTHING GOES.* No rules, no moral absolutes, no restraints of any kind. Every man does that which is right in his own eyes, and woe to the person who dares to question his or her “lifestyle choices.”

    We should specifically note that Paul includes “DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS.”
    It may seem too trivial to be in such a solemn list, but for aged Paul, disobedience is the spark that ignites the flame that leaves the home in ashes. (Is it any wonder that divorce has become common place or that many people want to redefine marriage to allow for homosexuals to marry each other? Of course, it’s not surprising, and we haven’t even reached the bottom of the pit of moral degradation yet.)

    In the light of Bible prophecy, we should expect that as we approach the end times, all these things will increase in intensity and frequency, until we have the situation portrayed in the Book of Revelation, the total implosion of the social order as men utterly rebel against God and destroy themselves and the world in the process. Perhaps this is why Christ Jesus said that unless those days were shortened, no one would survive (Matthew 24:22).

    And as per "Religious Rebels;"

    We haven’t gotten to the bad news yet.
    That comes in verse 5: “Having a FORM of GODLINESS but DENYING its POWER. Have nothing to do with them.” The word “form” means something like, “having the outward appearance” of godliness. That is, in the last days, as men turn away from God, paradoxically, they will become more religious, not less.

    Religion will become more popular as we approach the end times because people will seek some refuge in a world that increasingly has lost its way. They will ask the RIGHT QUESTIONS, but will FOLLOW the WRONG ANSWERS.
    It will be religion for religion’s sake, not religion for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus. They will join the church (or some other religious organization), they will be baptized, attend the services, sing and pray and give and go through the motions, but their hearts will not be in it. They will deny the very power they profess to believe.

    In particular, they will embrace a kind of post-modern religion that allows them to do anything, believe anything, endorse anything, live any way they choose as long as it makes them happy. They will say things like, “We don’t need to be bound by the outdated rules of the Bible. Those were written 2,000 years ago and don’t apply to us today.” That’s not far-fetched. You can say things like that today and be elected a bishop in some denominations.

    Notice how Paul says we are to RESPOND to these FALSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS: “HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM”(v5)

    That’s clear, isn’t it? It’s also judgmental, narrow-minded, rude, unkind, unfair (in the eyes of many people), and a host of other things that are NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT TODAY. But the WORD of THE LORD REMAINS. We are to have nothing to do with religious people who do not believe the Bible and do not accept ITS AUTHORITY over EVERY AREA OF LIFE, including sexual morality.
    Such people are religious but lost. We ain't done yet...will be back shortly !
    EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS STILL EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1) 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 PLEASE, DON'T DOUBT👉 WE'RE NECK DEEP IN THE BIBLE PROPHECIED PERILOUS TIMES! [2TIM. 3:1...] (PART ONE) **************************************** “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1.) Apostle Paul, was writing from a prison cell in Rome, knowing that his own death was at hand. He was warning his young protégé Timothy of difficult days to come. Although he never loses his faith in God, it is clear that he was deeply concerned about the trends he saw all around him. Hard times were coming; days of stress were just around the corner. If a man was not ready, if he didn’t brace himself in advance, he might be washed away when things got really hot. Evidence around us confirms the authenticity of Paul's warning. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE DEVIL IS NO LONGER HIDING, YET MANY OF US, SIMPLY REFUSED TO SEE HIM,AND IT'S SADDENING. The verse 1 of our key scripture can easily pass off as the summary of the whole chapter. 👉“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days” (II Timothy 3:1). Two questions come to mind; First, what does Paul mean by the expression, “last days?” One can attribute at least three meanings to the phrase. It can apply to the entire period between the first and second comings of Christ Jesus .Since Christ Jesus could have come at any time, the entire church age can be called the “last days.” It also applies to unique periods of spiritual testing that occur at different times in different places. Finally, it obviously applies to the last few weeks and months and years preceding our Lord’s return to the earth. I find it helpful to think in terms of labor pains. A pregnant woman knows when she is about to give birth by the frequency and severity of her labour pains. In the same way, the various things that Paul lists in the first few verses of 2 Timothy 3 will always be present in some form, but will increase dramatically near the end of the age. Are we in the “last days?” No matter how you define it, the answer is yes. And we may indeed be living in the final days before the return of Christ Jesus to the earth. Second, what will the “last days” be like? The “last days” will be fierce, violent, dangerous and frightening. Here’s another word we could use: In the last days, savage times will come as men cast off all moral restraint and society begins to disintegrate. The importance of the prophecy and warning against the perilous times cannot be over emphasised. Yes, we're living in the age of the fulfillment of the "Perilous times!" So Paul warns Timothy, “After I am gone, things are going to get worse before they get better. Buckle up, Timothy. Terrible times are coming.” That’s why Paul said, “Mark this,” or “Understand this,” or “Pay attention to this.” Don’t be naïve and think that everything is going to be okay. It’s not all going to be okay. But, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. If we know what is going to happen, we won’t be surprised when it does. 👉Alright, let's get going on Perilous Times. The first five verses of 2Timothy 3:1-5 offer a sobering escalation of corruption. In a sense, this is a shorter version of Romans 1:18-32. This is what happens when we turn our back on God. First, there is a total rejection of God. People are unholy, ungrateful, lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. This leads to a total moral collapse. People become lovers of money, conceited, without love toward others, boastful, proud, unforgiving, conceited, “not lovers of what is good.” 👉You see, every action has an effect. Naturally, our rejection of God should necessarily have its consequences. And so our disobedience produced a total breakdown of society.(Law and order).People will be treacherous, rash, slanderous, brutal, disobedient to parents, abusive and without self-control. By implications, this means that,(like in the time of the Book of Judges) in the end, *ANYTHING GOES.* No rules, no moral absolutes, no restraints of any kind. Every man does that which is right in his own eyes, and woe to the person who dares to question his or her “lifestyle choices.” We should specifically note that Paul includes “DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS.” It may seem too trivial to be in such a solemn list, but for aged Paul, disobedience is the spark that ignites the flame that leaves the home in ashes. (Is it any wonder that divorce has become common place or that many people want to redefine marriage to allow for homosexuals to marry each other? Of course, it’s not surprising, and we haven’t even reached the bottom of the pit of moral degradation yet.) 👉In the light of Bible prophecy, we should expect that as we approach the end times, all these things will increase in intensity and frequency, until we have the situation portrayed in the Book of Revelation, the total implosion of the social order as men utterly rebel against God and destroy themselves and the world in the process. Perhaps this is why Christ Jesus said that unless those days were shortened, no one would survive (Matthew 24:22). 👉And as per "Religious Rebels;" We haven’t gotten to the bad news yet. That comes in verse 5: “Having a FORM of GODLINESS but DENYING its POWER. Have nothing to do with them.” The word “form” means something like, “having the outward appearance” of godliness. That is, in the last days, as men turn away from God, paradoxically, they will become more religious, not less. Religion will become more popular as we approach the end times because people will seek some refuge in a world that increasingly has lost its way. They will ask the RIGHT QUESTIONS, but will FOLLOW the WRONG ANSWERS. It will be religion for religion’s sake, not religion for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus. They will join the church (or some other religious organization), they will be baptized, attend the services, sing and pray and give and go through the motions, but their hearts will not be in it. They will deny the very power they profess to believe. 👉In particular, they will embrace a kind of post-modern religion that allows them to do anything, believe anything, endorse anything, live any way they choose as long as it makes them happy. They will say things like, “We don’t need to be bound by the outdated rules of the Bible. Those were written 2,000 years ago and don’t apply to us today.” That’s not far-fetched. You can say things like that today and be elected a bishop in some denominations. Notice how Paul says we are to RESPOND to these FALSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS: “HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM”(v5) That’s clear, isn’t it? It’s also judgmental, narrow-minded, rude, unkind, unfair (in the eyes of many people), and a host of other things that are NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT TODAY. But the WORD of THE LORD REMAINS. We are to have nothing to do with religious people who do not believe the Bible and do not accept ITS AUTHORITY over EVERY AREA OF LIFE, including sexual morality. Such people are religious but lost. We ain't done yet...will be back shortly 🙇🙏❤️!
    0 Comments 0 Shares 3939 Views
  • Prediction Consensus: What The Experts See Coming In 2025
    As we look ahead to 2025, there is no shortage of expert forecasts and predictions for what will happen to the world’s economy, markets, geopolitics, and technology in 2025.

    In this now sixth year of Visual Capitalist's Prediction Consensus (part of our comprehensive 2025 Global Forecast Series presented by Inigo Insurance), Kayla Zhu has summarized the most common predictions and forecasts by experts into a single visual of what they expect to happen in 2025.

    Drawing from our predictions database of over 800 forecasts compiled from reports, interviews, podcasts, and more, the Prediction Consensus “bingo card” and this article offer an overview of the most cited trends and opportunities that experts are watching for the rest of the year.



    Geopolitical Predictions for 2025

    Increased geopolitical uncertainty and volatility is top of mind for many forecasters heading into 2025, as global trade dynamics restructure around tariffs and potential counter-tariffs.

    For many forecasters, President Donald Trump’s return to office is anticipated to escalate U.S.-China tensions, potentially triggering increased economic competition, protectionist policies, and global fragmentation.

    “For now, America’s rivalry with China will manifest itself as a trade war, as Mr Trump imposes restrictions and ramps up tariffs—including on America’s allies”

    – Tom Standage, The Economist

    The geopolitical landscape is likely to become more volatile as both nations navigate a complex and increasingly adversarial relationship, with the U.S. intensifying its protectionist stance under Trump while China looks to strengthening its BRICS partnerships.



    Amid U.S.-China tensions, experts expect the geopolitical landscape to remain fraught as Sudan endures one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, marked by famine and mass displacement with limited aid while Syria faces a precarious transition following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

    However, some conflicts are predicted to wrap up this year, with a number of experts optimistic that 2025 could mark the end of the Russia-Ukraine war as it nears its third anniversary. Another significant conflict saw a breakthrough as Israel and Hamas reached a Gaza ceasefire in January 2025, offering a brief respite after 15 months of hostilities.

    Along with these ongoing geopolitical issues, several major elections are on the horizon for 2025, including Canada, Germany, Belarus, the Philippines, and Australia.

    Economy and Markets Forecasts for 2025

    Based on the hundreds of economic forecasts and predictions we’ve sifted through, many analysts and experts share matching views on what’s ahead for inflation, interest rates, and economic growth in 2025.

    Global inflation forecasts for 2025: Inflation is expected to continue easing in 2025 across many economies, with global inflation expected to drop from 5.8% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025. However, some experts predict tariffs could drive acute inflation as firms pass additional costs onto consumers.

    Interest rate forecasts for 2025: Further interest rate cuts are projected for the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank in 2025, while the Bank of Japan was expected to bump rates by 25 bps this year, and has already followed through with their rate hike to 0.50%–a level not seen since the 2008 global financial crisis.



    Global markets forecasts for 2025: Forecasters are quite bullish on the markets, with positive S&P 500 forecasts in the 10% to 20% range and an expected broadening of returns beyond the Magnificent 7 expected for 2025. Consensus expectations see U.S. equities leading earnings while Europe rebounds and Asia softens.

    Gold prices are expected to continue to surge this year, with experts positioning it as both an effective hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainties and a general portfolio diversifier. Bitcoin and cryptocurrency are also expected to see growth as the Trump administration advances pro-crypto policies and global economies develop more structured regulatory frameworks for digital assets.

    Global real GDP growth forecasts for 2025: The outlook for global growth continues to be fairly stable heading into 2025. Global GDP growth forecasts range from 2.7% to 3.2%, squarely in the range of IMF’s 10-year average (2015-2024) of 3.1%.

    “With some shocks set to ease, such as Russia-Ukraine, along with a bonfire of regulations and tax cuts in the U.S. economy, the global economy is likely to perform better than last year.”

    – Mo Tanweer, academic associate Pembroke College, University of Cambridge and consultant to Inigo Insurance

    The U.S. and China are both expected to experience slower growth in 2025, with the IMF projecting U.S. GDP growth at 2.7%, down 0.1 percentage points from 2024, and China’s at 4.6%, down 0.2 percentage points from last year.

    Technology and AI Predictions for 2025

    Advancements in artificial intelligence innovation and infrastructure show no sign of slowing down in 2025.

    Just this January, President Trump announced the Stargate Project, a $500 billion AI infrastructure venture led by OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX, aimed at building data centers across the United States to secure American leadership in AI technology, with an initial $100 billion deployment starting in Texas.

    Significant strides in AI are in the works this year, including agentic AI systems and artificial general intelligence (AGI) which OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei have all stated are well-within possibility in the near future, possibly this year.



    However, as companies scale up their AI operations, both capital expenditures and energy costs are projected to rise, highlighting the need for improvements in energy efficiency and renewable sources in shaping AI’s future and aligning it with environmental objectives.

    Robotics and autonomous driving technology are also expected to continue to advance as AI systems become more sophisticated, with experts forecasting autonomous driving to become “safe and reliable” by 2025 and relatively mainstream across major cities in the United States.

    2025 Forecasts: The Year of Recalibration

    As we head into 2025, notable shifts are taking shape across geopolitical, economic, and technological landscapes. The year stands out as a pivotal moment of global recalibration—where established systems are being challenged, reimagined, and restructured.

    Trump’s return to the White House is expected to dramatically reshape U.S. foreign and economic policy, with a particular focus on trade measures and protectionist strategies.

    His administration’s approach is likely to test international relationships, potentially accelerating economic competition and global fragmentation while simultaneously pursuing domestic market stimulation and supportive policies for emerging technologies like AI and digital assets.

    However, as a whole the world is carefully rebalancing economically. Inflation is gradually cooling, markets show optimism, and central banks are strategically adjusting interest rates. The global economic engine is humming at a steady, if not spectacular, pace, with GDP growth remaining stable despite slowing projections for major economies like the U.S. and China.

    Perhaps most notably, technology—and particularly artificial intelligence—emerges as a transformative and disruptive force. Massive investments in AI infrastructure and predictions about artificial general intelligence signal a technological watershed, but are also being challenged by efficiency and cost innovations made apparent by China’s open source Deepseek R1 model release.

    From geopolitical tensions to technological innovations, the year promises to be a period of strategic adaptation, where countries, markets, and technologies reassess and realign themselves to address the complex challenges of our interconnected world.

    https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/prediction-consensus-what-experts-see-coming-2025
    Prediction Consensus: What The Experts See Coming In 2025 As we look ahead to 2025, there is no shortage of expert forecasts and predictions for what will happen to the world’s economy, markets, geopolitics, and technology in 2025. In this now sixth year of Visual Capitalist's Prediction Consensus (part of our comprehensive 2025 Global Forecast Series presented by Inigo Insurance), Kayla Zhu has summarized the most common predictions and forecasts by experts into a single visual of what they expect to happen in 2025. Drawing from our predictions database of over 800 forecasts compiled from reports, interviews, podcasts, and more, the Prediction Consensus “bingo card” and this article offer an overview of the most cited trends and opportunities that experts are watching for the rest of the year. Geopolitical Predictions for 2025 Increased geopolitical uncertainty and volatility is top of mind for many forecasters heading into 2025, as global trade dynamics restructure around tariffs and potential counter-tariffs. For many forecasters, President Donald Trump’s return to office is anticipated to escalate U.S.-China tensions, potentially triggering increased economic competition, protectionist policies, and global fragmentation. “For now, America’s rivalry with China will manifest itself as a trade war, as Mr Trump imposes restrictions and ramps up tariffs—including on America’s allies” – Tom Standage, The Economist The geopolitical landscape is likely to become more volatile as both nations navigate a complex and increasingly adversarial relationship, with the U.S. intensifying its protectionist stance under Trump while China looks to strengthening its BRICS partnerships. Amid U.S.-China tensions, experts expect the geopolitical landscape to remain fraught as Sudan endures one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, marked by famine and mass displacement with limited aid while Syria faces a precarious transition following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. However, some conflicts are predicted to wrap up this year, with a number of experts optimistic that 2025 could mark the end of the Russia-Ukraine war as it nears its third anniversary. Another significant conflict saw a breakthrough as Israel and Hamas reached a Gaza ceasefire in January 2025, offering a brief respite after 15 months of hostilities. Along with these ongoing geopolitical issues, several major elections are on the horizon for 2025, including Canada, Germany, Belarus, the Philippines, and Australia. Economy and Markets Forecasts for 2025 Based on the hundreds of economic forecasts and predictions we’ve sifted through, many analysts and experts share matching views on what’s ahead for inflation, interest rates, and economic growth in 2025. Global inflation forecasts for 2025: Inflation is expected to continue easing in 2025 across many economies, with global inflation expected to drop from 5.8% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025. However, some experts predict tariffs could drive acute inflation as firms pass additional costs onto consumers. Interest rate forecasts for 2025: Further interest rate cuts are projected for the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank in 2025, while the Bank of Japan was expected to bump rates by 25 bps this year, and has already followed through with their rate hike to 0.50%–a level not seen since the 2008 global financial crisis. Global markets forecasts for 2025: Forecasters are quite bullish on the markets, with positive S&P 500 forecasts in the 10% to 20% range and an expected broadening of returns beyond the Magnificent 7 expected for 2025. Consensus expectations see U.S. equities leading earnings while Europe rebounds and Asia softens. Gold prices are expected to continue to surge this year, with experts positioning it as both an effective hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainties and a general portfolio diversifier. Bitcoin and cryptocurrency are also expected to see growth as the Trump administration advances pro-crypto policies and global economies develop more structured regulatory frameworks for digital assets. Global real GDP growth forecasts for 2025: The outlook for global growth continues to be fairly stable heading into 2025. Global GDP growth forecasts range from 2.7% to 3.2%, squarely in the range of IMF’s 10-year average (2015-2024) of 3.1%. “With some shocks set to ease, such as Russia-Ukraine, along with a bonfire of regulations and tax cuts in the U.S. economy, the global economy is likely to perform better than last year.” – Mo Tanweer, academic associate Pembroke College, University of Cambridge and consultant to Inigo Insurance The U.S. and China are both expected to experience slower growth in 2025, with the IMF projecting U.S. GDP growth at 2.7%, down 0.1 percentage points from 2024, and China’s at 4.6%, down 0.2 percentage points from last year. Technology and AI Predictions for 2025 Advancements in artificial intelligence innovation and infrastructure show no sign of slowing down in 2025. Just this January, President Trump announced the Stargate Project, a $500 billion AI infrastructure venture led by OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX, aimed at building data centers across the United States to secure American leadership in AI technology, with an initial $100 billion deployment starting in Texas. Significant strides in AI are in the works this year, including agentic AI systems and artificial general intelligence (AGI) which OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei have all stated are well-within possibility in the near future, possibly this year. However, as companies scale up their AI operations, both capital expenditures and energy costs are projected to rise, highlighting the need for improvements in energy efficiency and renewable sources in shaping AI’s future and aligning it with environmental objectives. Robotics and autonomous driving technology are also expected to continue to advance as AI systems become more sophisticated, with experts forecasting autonomous driving to become “safe and reliable” by 2025 and relatively mainstream across major cities in the United States. 2025 Forecasts: The Year of Recalibration As we head into 2025, notable shifts are taking shape across geopolitical, economic, and technological landscapes. The year stands out as a pivotal moment of global recalibration—where established systems are being challenged, reimagined, and restructured. Trump’s return to the White House is expected to dramatically reshape U.S. foreign and economic policy, with a particular focus on trade measures and protectionist strategies. His administration’s approach is likely to test international relationships, potentially accelerating economic competition and global fragmentation while simultaneously pursuing domestic market stimulation and supportive policies for emerging technologies like AI and digital assets. However, as a whole the world is carefully rebalancing economically. Inflation is gradually cooling, markets show optimism, and central banks are strategically adjusting interest rates. The global economic engine is humming at a steady, if not spectacular, pace, with GDP growth remaining stable despite slowing projections for major economies like the U.S. and China. Perhaps most notably, technology—and particularly artificial intelligence—emerges as a transformative and disruptive force. Massive investments in AI infrastructure and predictions about artificial general intelligence signal a technological watershed, but are also being challenged by efficiency and cost innovations made apparent by China’s open source Deepseek R1 model release. From geopolitical tensions to technological innovations, the year promises to be a period of strategic adaptation, where countries, markets, and technologies reassess and realign themselves to address the complex challenges of our interconnected world. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/prediction-consensus-what-experts-see-coming-2025
    WWW.ZEROHEDGE.COM
    Prediction Consensus: What The Experts See Coming In 2025
    From geopolitical tensions to technological innovations, the year promises to be a period of strategic adaptation...
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  • How to Date Any Girl:

    UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO DATING ANY GIRL YOU DESIRE:

    The dating landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, and navigating this terrain can be daunting. The "How To Date Any Girl" product aims to simplify this journey for men seeking to improve their dating skills. As an amalgamation of modern dating strategies and psychological insights, this guide promises to equip users with the knowledge and confidence to attract and date any girl. But does it deliver on its promises? Let's delve into its contents and effectiveness.

    Dating can be an intriguing and advancing experience when drawn nearer with deference, thoughtfulness, and credibility. At the point when you’re keen on dating a young lady, it’s fundamental to comprehend that building a significant association is the essential objective. In this aid, we will investigate the fundamental stages of dating a young lady while cultivating a sound and deferential relationship effectively.

    Comprehensive Content:

    One of the standout features of "How To Date Any Girl" is its comprehensive content. The guide is meticulously structured, covering a wide range of topics essential for dating success. From understanding female psychology to mastering the art of conversation, the guide leaves no stone unturned. Each section is well-researched, providing readers with practical advice backed by psychological principles. This thorough approach ensures that users are not merely following tips but are also gaining a deeper understanding of the dating dynamics.

    Practical Advice:

    Practicality is at the heart of this product. The guide is replete with actionable steps that readers can implement immediately. Whether it's techniques for initiating conversations, tips for planning the perfect date, or strategies for maintaining a relationship, the advice is straightforward and easy to follow. The inclusion of real-life examples and scenarios further enhances its practicality, making it easier for users to relate and apply the tips in their own lives. This hands-on approach is particularly beneficial for those who may be new to dating or have had limited success in the past.

    Boosting Confidence:

    A significant aspect of "How To Date Any Girl" is its focus on building confidence. The guide emphasises the importance of self-assurance and provides numerous strategies to enhance one’s self-esteem. From improving body language to developing a positive mindset, the tips are designed to make users feel more confident and assertive. This boost in confidence is crucial, as it often translates into more successful interactions and dates. By addressing common insecurities and offering solutions, the guide helps users present their best selves.

    Ethical Considerations:

    While the guide offers a wealth of valuable information, it is crucial to approach it with ethical considerations. Some of the strategies, particularly those related to influencing and persuasion, may come across as manipulative if not used responsibly. It is essential for users to apply the advice with respect and genuine intentions. Dating should always be about mutual respect and consent, and any attempts to manipulate or deceive are not only unethical but also counterproductive in the long run. The guide does caution against such behaviour, but users must remain vigilant and ethical in their approach.

    Fearlessness and Dignity:

    Certainty and dignity are alluring characteristics. Before you begin dating, set aside some margin to assemble your confidence. Know your value and worth as a person. Certainty won’t just make you really engaging however will likewise assist you in handling different dating circumstances with balance.

    Regard Her Autonomy:
    Regard her autonomy and uniqueness. Permit her to keep up with her kinships, side interests, and individual space. A sound relationship incorporates space for the two accomplices to develop and seek after their own advantages.

    Show Love:

    Fondness and little tokens of affection can assist with keeping the sentiment alive. Express your sentiments through actual touch, uplifting statements, or insightful shocks. These demonstrations of fondness can support the close-to-home association between you.

    Conclusion:

    In conclusion, "How To Date Any Girl" is a well-rounded guide that offers substantial value to men looking to improve their dating lives. Its comprehensive content, practical advice, and focus on confidence-building make it a worthwhile investment. However, it is essential to approach the guide with an ethical mindset and use the strategies responsibly. When used correctly, the guide has the potential to transform one’s dating experience, helping users to attract and date women in a respectful and confident manner. Overall, "How To Date Any Girl" is a commendable resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern dating with greater ease and success.

    Dating a young lady can be a compensating venture when drawn nearer with deference, graciousness, and realness. Building a significant association is the essential objective, and it requires exertion, tolerance, and understanding. Recollect that each individual is special, and carving out an opportunity to get to realize her on a more profound level will prompt a more grounded and seriously satisfying relationship. Embrace the chance to associate and become together, and partake in the wonderful excursion of dating.


    If you're ready to take control of your dating life and build meaningful connections with confidence, "How To Date Any Girl" is the guide you need: https://tinyurl.com/5hdpw8zh

    #howtodateanygirl #datingadvice #relationshipadvice #EthicalConsiderations #RegardHerAutonomy:




    How to Date Any Girl: UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO DATING ANY GIRL YOU DESIRE: The dating landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, and navigating this terrain can be daunting. The "How To Date Any Girl" product aims to simplify this journey for men seeking to improve their dating skills. As an amalgamation of modern dating strategies and psychological insights, this guide promises to equip users with the knowledge and confidence to attract and date any girl. But does it deliver on its promises? Let's delve into its contents and effectiveness. Dating can be an intriguing and advancing experience when drawn nearer with deference, thoughtfulness, and credibility. At the point when you’re keen on dating a young lady, it’s fundamental to comprehend that building a significant association is the essential objective. In this aid, we will investigate the fundamental stages of dating a young lady while cultivating a sound and deferential relationship effectively. Comprehensive Content: One of the standout features of "How To Date Any Girl" is its comprehensive content. The guide is meticulously structured, covering a wide range of topics essential for dating success. From understanding female psychology to mastering the art of conversation, the guide leaves no stone unturned. Each section is well-researched, providing readers with practical advice backed by psychological principles. This thorough approach ensures that users are not merely following tips but are also gaining a deeper understanding of the dating dynamics. Practical Advice: Practicality is at the heart of this product. The guide is replete with actionable steps that readers can implement immediately. Whether it's techniques for initiating conversations, tips for planning the perfect date, or strategies for maintaining a relationship, the advice is straightforward and easy to follow. The inclusion of real-life examples and scenarios further enhances its practicality, making it easier for users to relate and apply the tips in their own lives. This hands-on approach is particularly beneficial for those who may be new to dating or have had limited success in the past. Boosting Confidence: A significant aspect of "How To Date Any Girl" is its focus on building confidence. The guide emphasises the importance of self-assurance and provides numerous strategies to enhance one’s self-esteem. From improving body language to developing a positive mindset, the tips are designed to make users feel more confident and assertive. This boost in confidence is crucial, as it often translates into more successful interactions and dates. By addressing common insecurities and offering solutions, the guide helps users present their best selves. Ethical Considerations: While the guide offers a wealth of valuable information, it is crucial to approach it with ethical considerations. Some of the strategies, particularly those related to influencing and persuasion, may come across as manipulative if not used responsibly. It is essential for users to apply the advice with respect and genuine intentions. Dating should always be about mutual respect and consent, and any attempts to manipulate or deceive are not only unethical but also counterproductive in the long run. The guide does caution against such behaviour, but users must remain vigilant and ethical in their approach. Fearlessness and Dignity: Certainty and dignity are alluring characteristics. Before you begin dating, set aside some margin to assemble your confidence. Know your value and worth as a person. Certainty won’t just make you really engaging however will likewise assist you in handling different dating circumstances with balance. Regard Her Autonomy: Regard her autonomy and uniqueness. Permit her to keep up with her kinships, side interests, and individual space. A sound relationship incorporates space for the two accomplices to develop and seek after their own advantages. Show Love: Fondness and little tokens of affection can assist with keeping the sentiment alive. Express your sentiments through actual touch, uplifting statements, or insightful shocks. These demonstrations of fondness can support the close-to-home association between you. Conclusion: In conclusion, "How To Date Any Girl" is a well-rounded guide that offers substantial value to men looking to improve their dating lives. Its comprehensive content, practical advice, and focus on confidence-building make it a worthwhile investment. However, it is essential to approach the guide with an ethical mindset and use the strategies responsibly. When used correctly, the guide has the potential to transform one’s dating experience, helping users to attract and date women in a respectful and confident manner. Overall, "How To Date Any Girl" is a commendable resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern dating with greater ease and success. Dating a young lady can be a compensating venture when drawn nearer with deference, graciousness, and realness. Building a significant association is the essential objective, and it requires exertion, tolerance, and understanding. Recollect that each individual is special, and carving out an opportunity to get to realize her on a more profound level will prompt a more grounded and seriously satisfying relationship. Embrace the chance to associate and become together, and partake in the wonderful excursion of dating. If you're ready to take control of your dating life and build meaningful connections with confidence, "How To Date Any Girl" is the guide you need: https://tinyurl.com/5hdpw8zh #howtodateanygirl #datingadvice #relationshipadvice #EthicalConsiderations #RegardHerAutonomy:
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  • The deadly cost of Israel’s restrictions on foreign doctors in Gaza
    Denied entry or medical supplies after Israel's takeover of Rafah, volunteer physicians describe a policy designed to prevent their live-saving work.

    By Patricia Martinez Sastre January 30, 2025
    A patient at the European Hospital near Khan Younis after the Israeli army ordered an evacuation of the facility, in the southern Gaza Strip, July 2, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
    A patient at the European Hospital near Khan Younis after the Israeli army ordered an evacuation of the facility, in the southern Gaza Strip, July 2, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
    Dr. Ayaz Pathan did something he never thought he would: in an attempt to save Palestinian children hospitalized in Gaza, allow others — the same age as his three young children, 8 to 14 years old — to die. “We didn’t have an [available] bed for them. They were on the floor, and we pulled them to the side while they were still breathing [and] their heart was still beating, knowing that their injuries were unlikely to be survivable,” he recounted of his time at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the largest in southern Gaza. “Would they have survived in Jerusalem? Absolutely. In the U.S.? Definitely.”

    Pathan, an emergency room physician from North Carolina, volunteered in Gaza from late July to mid-August 2024 as part of what are known as Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) — groups of foreign medical professionals, including surgeons, emergency physicians, nurses, and anesthetists, that deploy amid humanitarian crises to provide care when the local healthcare system is overwhelmed. In Gaza, where the healthcare system is near collapse after the Israeli military has systematically targeted healthcare facilities and professionals, these foreign medical missions have become particularly vital.

    Pathan’s experience is far from unique. In testimonies obtained by +972, six specialist doctors who worked in Gaza and eight officials at the United Nations and NGOs that negotiate with COGAT — the Israeli military body that oversees humanitarian aid policies in the occupied Palestinian territories — described an emergency response system wholly unprepared to handle the catastrophic conditions on the ground.

    For months prior to the ceasefire, Israel imposed severe restrictions on the entry of foreign doctors and humanitarian and commercial cargo into Gaza, while attacking Palestinian police forces guarding aid convoys, which allowed armed groups to loot the supplies. In the four weeks leading up to Jan. 11, fewer than 2,000 trucks entered the enclave, or around 70 daily; an analysis by Oxfam determined that 221 trucks of food alone were needed every day to guarantee the minimum calorie intake for everyone in the Strip. Of those that entered, only 13 carried medical supplies.

    Since the ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19, the number of aid trucks entering Gaza has increased substantially. However, the limited number of doctors allowed to enter, often with little to no medical supplies, leaves specialized healthcare largely unavailable in the enclave. Meanwhile, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt remains closed, and medical evacuations abroad — critical for over 12,000 according to the World Health Organization — remain extremely rare.

    ‘They know we’re here to help, so why not let us in?’

    All medics who spoke to +972 singled out May 7, 2024 — the day Israel seized full control of the Rafah crossing — as the moment things changed. Before that date, there was virtually no cap on the number of medical professionals entering Gaza through Rafah, nor on what supplies they could carry. Foreign doctors who worked in the Strip said they could bring in “essentials” like baby formula and large quantities of dry foods to distribute, as well as small medical equipment, including butterfly ultrasounds, surgical drapes, gloves, and bandages.

    Dr. Tammy Abughnaim, an American physician who first entered Gaza in March 2024, recalled how she and seven of her colleagues were able to carry with them a total of 42 bags filled with equipment and supplies. Egyptian authorities inspected their suitcases at the airport and again at the border, and confiscated only a few items, such as strong pain control medications like morphine or ketamine.

    Palestinians unload medical aid from a truck at the Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on October 23, 2023. (Atia Mohammed/Flash90)
    Palestinians unload medical aid from a truck at the Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on October 23, 2023. (Atia Mohammed/Flash90)
    Since May 7, however, the vast majority of foreign medical missions seeking access to Gaza have been forced to enter through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing, where they have been subjected to much more stringent inspections, and prevented from bringing in virtually any medical supplies or tools.

    “Aid workers from the entire world are trying to come to help. But it’s been restricted to about 20 [individual workers] in armored vehicles entering [weekly] on either a Tuesday or Thursday,” said Dr. Nabeel Rana, an American vascular surgeon who volunteered in Gaza in July and October 2024. “And of those, only about seven or eight are [reserved] for medical personnel,” he added, calling it a “dramatic change” compared to the process before May 7.

    Doctors who entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom have been advised by the UN, following COGAT’s policy, to only travel with one suitcase and a carry-on, and are prohibited from taking in anything not for their personal use, including medical equipment. Any flagged items — more than the 2,000 dollars in cash allowed, too many soap bars, even duplicate laptops — would be confiscated and directly result in delayed convoys or doctors being denied entry.

    “They know we’re here to help, so [why not] let us in with supplies?” Pathan told +972. “If I’m bringing in ten ultrasounds, X-ray them five times, make sure they are just ultrasounds. But ultimately, there’s no scientific knowledge to turn an ultrasound into a bomb, is there?”

    These restrictions, sources said, have reduced medics and doctors to practicing “damage control rather than medicine,” often forcing them to make impossible decisions about which patients to try and save and which to leave to die — most often women and children.

    Palestinians who were injured in an Israeli airstrike at the Buraij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip are brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, on September 7, 2024. (Ali Hassan/Flash90)
    Palestinians who were injured in an Israeli airstrike at the Buraij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip are brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, on September 7, 2024. (Ali Hassan/Flash90)
    Foreign physicians working in Gaza who spoke to +972 reported having to reuse unsterilized ventilator tubes on patients, tie off limbs with large rubber bands in place of tourniquets, and remove children who were “very much alive” from the few ventilators available to prioritize others with better survival chances.

    “There’s no soap [inside Gaza]. They’re using iodized salt water to wash their hands and to sterilize equipment,” Abughanim told +972. The second time she entered Gaza, at the end of July, she and her colleagues had to be much more creative. “You can’t really bring in a large quantity of soap without that being suspicious, so I brought little sheets of soluble soap we could make bottles with when I got there.” She also revealed that she hid unpacked medicine in her bag to make it look like hers, making it easier to sneak in innocuous supplies like trauma shears and blood pressure cuffs.

    In response to +972’s inquiry, a spokesperson for COGAT said that Israel “does not restrict the number of humanitarian teams that can cross into the Gaza Strip on behalf of the international community, subject to technical arrangements required for security reasons,” and that the Kerem Shalom crossing has been specifically designated for this purpose. They also noted that a “formal request must be submitted” for volunteer medical teams to bring equipment into Gaza, a process required because “terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip often exploit civilian equipment and humanitarian infrastructure for terrorist activities.”

    A game of cat and mouse

    The limitations imposed on EMTs entering Gaza would be less dangerous if “the other part of the same equation” functioned, two sources told +972, referring to the entry and safe distribution of aid and medical equipment through humanitarian aid convoys. But Israel, the sources said, had repeatedly obstructed that form of aid provision as well, particularly in northern Gaza, where virtually no humanitarian aid had been allowed in over the past four months.

    “Since May 7, all humanitarian operations in Gaza [rely] on this UN convoy that happens twice a week, carrying a maximum of eight medical personnel each time,” a UN source, speaking on condition of anonymity in fear of losing leverage, told +972. “We also don’t have enough people inside Gaza to be using internationals as drivers [as COGAT demands],” he added, estimating the total number of foreign staff at any given moment to range between 69 to 83.

    This official, like others +972 interviewed, called the setup as “purposely made to not facilitate humanitarian activities” in Gaza, and “much more bureaucratic than solution-oriented.” They mentioned, as an example, that the UN only got “preliminary” Israeli approval to bring in two new armored vehicles for the distribution of humanitarian aid at the end of December, after they had sat at a border crossing for four months.

    Trucks loaded with Humanitarian Aid entering Gaza through the Israeli Kerem Shalom Crossing, near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, January 23, 2025. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
    Trucks loaded with Humanitarian Aid entering Gaza through the Israeli Kerem Shalom Crossing, near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, January 23, 2025. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
    “All equipment and supplies are really difficult to bring in,” the UN official noted. “Under the ‘dual-use’ policy [where Israel restricts items based on the claim that they could also be used for terrorist activities] everything can be justified. Ventilators are getting delayed, oxygen concentrators are getting delayed. From a humanitarian medical perspective, it doesn’t make sense. But we’re not the ones holding the guns.”

    A worker at MedGlobal, a humanitarian nonprofit that provides emergency response and health programs in Gaza, who spoke to +972 anonymously for fear of Israeli retaliation, described the procedure to get even life-saving tools cleared by COGAT as “a cat and mouse game.” He explained how items that are at first rejected could be approved weeks later if UN agencies, or the U.S. government, put pressure on Israel.

    “This again made us feel like it’s a game of power and influence,” he said. “What are the security concerns if tent poles were banned for the first six months, but then later allowed in? Or just recently, generators were only allowed up to 32 kilowatts and now they’ve increased that up to 40 kilowatts,” he noted. “When there is pressure from above, [for instance] from the U.S., all of a sudden those security concerns seem less real. This gives us the impression that they are just trying to give us the bare minimum as opposed to being an honest broker who wants to facilitate aid in.”

    But even U.S. pressure can only get so far. On Oct. 13, the U.S. State and Defense Secretaries issued a joint 30-day ultimatum to the Israeli government, demanding it “surge all forms of humanitarian assistance” into the Gaza Strip and “end isolation of northern Gaza,” warning that failure to comply could jeopardize military aid.

    Exactly one month later, after Israel failed to comply with both demands, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer replied to the U.S. Secretaries, informing them that the number of aid trucks entering Gaza in September and October had, in fact, decreased. They attributed this “largely to operational reasons and specific intelligence warnings of attacks that were being planned at the crossings and using the humanitarian aid delivery system,” without backing those claims with any evidence.

    Tents housing displaced Palestinians, at Yarmouk Stadium in Gaza City, November 24, 2024. (Omar El-Qattaa)
    Tents housing displaced Palestinians, at Yarmouk Stadium in Gaza City, November 24, 2024. (Omar El-Qattaa)
    In the letter, Israel also noted that 30 items had been removed from the restricted list of “dual-use” items in preparation for winter. These articles — cleared for entry only from November 13 — included essentials such as large tents, tent elevation platforms, portable toilets, sleeping bags, hand warmers, and rainwater storage systems. For the first time, personal protective gear was also allowed, but sources told +972 that aid workers were required to take the equipment with them when they left Gaza.

    According to the MedGlobal employee, COGAT provides no clear guidelines for its inspection process. Bulk items submitted to pre-clearance can remain pending for weeks or months, if they ever get approved at all, and most life-saving equipment such as ventilators or oxygen concentrators had been outright rejected in the last six months.

    The most difficult aspect of delivering aid into Gaza, according to multiple sources, is coordinating entry after Israel has granted approval for the bulk of items. Aid organizations are required to provide COGAT with exhaustive details about the cargo, including information about the driver, the vehicle’s license plate, the origin of the items, the source of funding, and the final delivery destination. However, even when all these requirements are meticulously met, Israeli authorities routinely deny shipments without any clear explanation.

    “COGAT acts like gaslighting aficionados. They will reject the entry of supplies and tell you that it was your fault, that there was an error in the form or that you didn’t coordinate the entry with the World Health Organization. There are a million reasons why a truck doesn’t get in,” the MedGlobal worker explained. In early September, the NGO eventually succeeded, after four to five attempts, in bringing 25 oxygen concentrators into Gaza, but they haven’t managed to replicate that success since then.

    The COGAT spokesperson told +972 that Israel “maintains ongoing communication with international community representatives and with local authorities who raise medical needs from the field,” and works to address those needs, whether “it involves the entry of equipment or the coordination of humanitarian activities.” They claimed that since the beginning of the war, “tens of thousands of tons of medical supplies have entered, including medications for cancer patients, insulin pens, anesthetic agents, X-ray machines, CT scanners, and oxygen generators for hospitals.”

    Discrimination against Palestinian Medics

    All medics who spoke to +972 described an overwhelming sense of uncertainty leading up to their deployments. Permission to enter Gaza — or to leave after completing their missions — was often confirmed just hours before the scheduled departure of their medical convoys. In many cases, COGAT would arbitrarily delay both entry and exit dates for weeks without any explanation, affecting scheduled surgeries back in their home countries.

    Most medical interviewees also affirmed that Israeli authorities systematically deny entry into Gaza to doctors of Palestinian descent, even if they hold American, Canadian, or British citizenship. Some NGO workers noted that even medics with no direct connection to Palestine but hailing from Muslim-majority countries, such as Egypt or Kuwait, have been barred entry by COGAT without any explanation.

    Members of the World Health Organization and the Palestinian Red Crescent evacuate Palestinian patients from the European Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on November 6, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
    Members of the World Health Organization and the Palestinian Red Crescent evacuate Palestinian patients from the European Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on November 6, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
    “I’m not Palestinian and I have no family there, but I feel like they’re equal to us, so why would I not go if I have the skills to help them?” one source, who wished to remain anonymous, told +972. After attempting to return to Gaza for the third time this January, they were again denied by Israeli authorities with no explanation.

    Last July, a CNN report revealed that WHO was advising aid groups not to bring in medical professionals with dual citizenship or Palestinian background to Gaza — even if only through a parent or grandparent — as they were having “issues with permits,” which the organization described as Israel’s new policy, according to internal memos. In response to +972’s inquiry about this discriminatory policy, COGAT’s spokesperson declined to comment.

    This open display of racial discrimination was also reported firsthand by American health care workers and British and Canadian physicians who had all volunteered in Gazan hospitals. “Incredibly, Israel continues to block healthcare workers of Palestinian descent from working in Gaza, even American citizens. This makes a mockery of the American ideal that ‘all men are created equal’ and degrades both our national ideals and our profession,” the American volunteers wrote in October to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “Our work is lifesaving. Our Palestinian healthcare colleagues in Gaza are desperate for relief and protection, and they deserve both.”

    Two officials at the Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), a UK-based charity that has had several of its volunteers denied entry into Gaza, told +972 that the ban on workers of Palestinian descent is more of an open secret than an explicit prohibition. “The form that we need to send to COGAT asks for the name of the father and grandfather, [and] they specifically ask about any Palestinian background. So it is not said to be prohibited, but I’m not sure that if you [say that you are of Palestinian descent] you can enter Gaza.”

    Members of the Jordanian field hospital installs prosthetic limbs for Palestinian amputees who were injured during the war, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, September 17, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib / Flash90)
    Members of the Jordanian field hospital installs prosthetic limbs for Palestinian amputees who were injured during the war, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, September 17, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib / Flash90)
    Dr. Ana Jeelani, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and MAP volunteer from the UK, entered Gaza in March of 2024 with a team of volunteers consisting of a British-Indian anesthesiologist, four Jordanians, and one Kuwaiti. All of them got in without issues, she said, along with 54 suitcases full of medical equipment and food. But last July, when a team of five tried to enter to provide care at Nasser hospital in southern Gaza, Israel rejected two of them.

    “They got to Jordan and then they didn’t get clearance, even after waiting for two weeks. COGAT gave no reason why they were denied entry, and [they] could only take one suitcase and personal belongings,” she said. “It’s just nefarious. You don’t know until the night before whether you got clearance. COGAT keeps you to the last minute, and they can decline your clearance for whatever reason.”

    One of the people rejected was Dr. Jeelani’s British-Indian colleague, a Muslim woman, who waited in Amman for two weeks only to find her name persistently listed as “pending” by COGAT. Speaking anonymously, she remarked that the Israeli policy is so unpredictable that even when humanitarian organizations carefully select individuals they believe will be granted entry, “it’s almost a gamble.” Some of the doctors interviewed by +972 suggested that individuals who had previously been allowed into Gaza, but were later left in limbo, may have been targeted in retaliation for speaking out about what they had witnessed. This claim could not be independently verified.

    The restrictions on foreign doctors, who would otherwise be a glimmer of hope for Gazans, is yet another blow to a healthcare system that has had more than 1,000 of its professionals killed, most of its hospitals destroyed, and many staff arbitrarily arrested.

    Most read on +972

    “Your chances of survival are just so low,” Jeelani said, haunted by the memory of a mass casualty attack in March on Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Among the injured was a young girl who was in her family’s apartment when it was hit by an Israeli airstrike. She arrived at Al Aqsa Hospital with her bowel eviscerated, a devastating head injury, and both legs shattered with severe open wounds.

    “Despite her critical injuries, doctors tried using whatever resources were available to save her, but they couldn’t,” Jeelani recalled. “If I saw her when I was back in October, she wouldn’t have even made it to an operating theater. Everyone is just waiting for death.”


    https://www.972mag.com/the-deadly-cost-of-israels-restrictions-on-foreign-doctors-in-gaza/
    The deadly cost of Israel’s restrictions on foreign doctors in Gaza Denied entry or medical supplies after Israel's takeover of Rafah, volunteer physicians describe a policy designed to prevent their live-saving work. By Patricia Martinez Sastre January 30, 2025 A patient at the European Hospital near Khan Younis after the Israeli army ordered an evacuation of the facility, in the southern Gaza Strip, July 2, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90) A patient at the European Hospital near Khan Younis after the Israeli army ordered an evacuation of the facility, in the southern Gaza Strip, July 2, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90) Dr. Ayaz Pathan did something he never thought he would: in an attempt to save Palestinian children hospitalized in Gaza, allow others — the same age as his three young children, 8 to 14 years old — to die. “We didn’t have an [available] bed for them. They were on the floor, and we pulled them to the side while they were still breathing [and] their heart was still beating, knowing that their injuries were unlikely to be survivable,” he recounted of his time at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the largest in southern Gaza. “Would they have survived in Jerusalem? Absolutely. In the U.S.? Definitely.” Pathan, an emergency room physician from North Carolina, volunteered in Gaza from late July to mid-August 2024 as part of what are known as Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) — groups of foreign medical professionals, including surgeons, emergency physicians, nurses, and anesthetists, that deploy amid humanitarian crises to provide care when the local healthcare system is overwhelmed. In Gaza, where the healthcare system is near collapse after the Israeli military has systematically targeted healthcare facilities and professionals, these foreign medical missions have become particularly vital. Pathan’s experience is far from unique. In testimonies obtained by +972, six specialist doctors who worked in Gaza and eight officials at the United Nations and NGOs that negotiate with COGAT — the Israeli military body that oversees humanitarian aid policies in the occupied Palestinian territories — described an emergency response system wholly unprepared to handle the catastrophic conditions on the ground. For months prior to the ceasefire, Israel imposed severe restrictions on the entry of foreign doctors and humanitarian and commercial cargo into Gaza, while attacking Palestinian police forces guarding aid convoys, which allowed armed groups to loot the supplies. In the four weeks leading up to Jan. 11, fewer than 2,000 trucks entered the enclave, or around 70 daily; an analysis by Oxfam determined that 221 trucks of food alone were needed every day to guarantee the minimum calorie intake for everyone in the Strip. Of those that entered, only 13 carried medical supplies. Since the ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19, the number of aid trucks entering Gaza has increased substantially. However, the limited number of doctors allowed to enter, often with little to no medical supplies, leaves specialized healthcare largely unavailable in the enclave. Meanwhile, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt remains closed, and medical evacuations abroad — critical for over 12,000 according to the World Health Organization — remain extremely rare. ‘They know we’re here to help, so why not let us in?’ All medics who spoke to +972 singled out May 7, 2024 — the day Israel seized full control of the Rafah crossing — as the moment things changed. Before that date, there was virtually no cap on the number of medical professionals entering Gaza through Rafah, nor on what supplies they could carry. Foreign doctors who worked in the Strip said they could bring in “essentials” like baby formula and large quantities of dry foods to distribute, as well as small medical equipment, including butterfly ultrasounds, surgical drapes, gloves, and bandages. Dr. Tammy Abughnaim, an American physician who first entered Gaza in March 2024, recalled how she and seven of her colleagues were able to carry with them a total of 42 bags filled with equipment and supplies. Egyptian authorities inspected their suitcases at the airport and again at the border, and confiscated only a few items, such as strong pain control medications like morphine or ketamine. Palestinians unload medical aid from a truck at the Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on October 23, 2023. (Atia Mohammed/Flash90) Palestinians unload medical aid from a truck at the Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on October 23, 2023. (Atia Mohammed/Flash90) Since May 7, however, the vast majority of foreign medical missions seeking access to Gaza have been forced to enter through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing, where they have been subjected to much more stringent inspections, and prevented from bringing in virtually any medical supplies or tools. “Aid workers from the entire world are trying to come to help. But it’s been restricted to about 20 [individual workers] in armored vehicles entering [weekly] on either a Tuesday or Thursday,” said Dr. Nabeel Rana, an American vascular surgeon who volunteered in Gaza in July and October 2024. “And of those, only about seven or eight are [reserved] for medical personnel,” he added, calling it a “dramatic change” compared to the process before May 7. Doctors who entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom have been advised by the UN, following COGAT’s policy, to only travel with one suitcase and a carry-on, and are prohibited from taking in anything not for their personal use, including medical equipment. Any flagged items — more than the 2,000 dollars in cash allowed, too many soap bars, even duplicate laptops — would be confiscated and directly result in delayed convoys or doctors being denied entry. “They know we’re here to help, so [why not] let us in with supplies?” Pathan told +972. “If I’m bringing in ten ultrasounds, X-ray them five times, make sure they are just ultrasounds. But ultimately, there’s no scientific knowledge to turn an ultrasound into a bomb, is there?” These restrictions, sources said, have reduced medics and doctors to practicing “damage control rather than medicine,” often forcing them to make impossible decisions about which patients to try and save and which to leave to die — most often women and children. Palestinians who were injured in an Israeli airstrike at the Buraij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip are brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, on September 7, 2024. (Ali Hassan/Flash90) Palestinians who were injured in an Israeli airstrike at the Buraij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip are brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, on September 7, 2024. (Ali Hassan/Flash90) Foreign physicians working in Gaza who spoke to +972 reported having to reuse unsterilized ventilator tubes on patients, tie off limbs with large rubber bands in place of tourniquets, and remove children who were “very much alive” from the few ventilators available to prioritize others with better survival chances. “There’s no soap [inside Gaza]. They’re using iodized salt water to wash their hands and to sterilize equipment,” Abughanim told +972. The second time she entered Gaza, at the end of July, she and her colleagues had to be much more creative. “You can’t really bring in a large quantity of soap without that being suspicious, so I brought little sheets of soluble soap we could make bottles with when I got there.” She also revealed that she hid unpacked medicine in her bag to make it look like hers, making it easier to sneak in innocuous supplies like trauma shears and blood pressure cuffs. In response to +972’s inquiry, a spokesperson for COGAT said that Israel “does not restrict the number of humanitarian teams that can cross into the Gaza Strip on behalf of the international community, subject to technical arrangements required for security reasons,” and that the Kerem Shalom crossing has been specifically designated for this purpose. They also noted that a “formal request must be submitted” for volunteer medical teams to bring equipment into Gaza, a process required because “terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip often exploit civilian equipment and humanitarian infrastructure for terrorist activities.” A game of cat and mouse The limitations imposed on EMTs entering Gaza would be less dangerous if “the other part of the same equation” functioned, two sources told +972, referring to the entry and safe distribution of aid and medical equipment through humanitarian aid convoys. But Israel, the sources said, had repeatedly obstructed that form of aid provision as well, particularly in northern Gaza, where virtually no humanitarian aid had been allowed in over the past four months. “Since May 7, all humanitarian operations in Gaza [rely] on this UN convoy that happens twice a week, carrying a maximum of eight medical personnel each time,” a UN source, speaking on condition of anonymity in fear of losing leverage, told +972. “We also don’t have enough people inside Gaza to be using internationals as drivers [as COGAT demands],” he added, estimating the total number of foreign staff at any given moment to range between 69 to 83. This official, like others +972 interviewed, called the setup as “purposely made to not facilitate humanitarian activities” in Gaza, and “much more bureaucratic than solution-oriented.” They mentioned, as an example, that the UN only got “preliminary” Israeli approval to bring in two new armored vehicles for the distribution of humanitarian aid at the end of December, after they had sat at a border crossing for four months. Trucks loaded with Humanitarian Aid entering Gaza through the Israeli Kerem Shalom Crossing, near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, January 23, 2025. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90) Trucks loaded with Humanitarian Aid entering Gaza through the Israeli Kerem Shalom Crossing, near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, January 23, 2025. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90) “All equipment and supplies are really difficult to bring in,” the UN official noted. “Under the ‘dual-use’ policy [where Israel restricts items based on the claim that they could also be used for terrorist activities] everything can be justified. Ventilators are getting delayed, oxygen concentrators are getting delayed. From a humanitarian medical perspective, it doesn’t make sense. But we’re not the ones holding the guns.” A worker at MedGlobal, a humanitarian nonprofit that provides emergency response and health programs in Gaza, who spoke to +972 anonymously for fear of Israeli retaliation, described the procedure to get even life-saving tools cleared by COGAT as “a cat and mouse game.” He explained how items that are at first rejected could be approved weeks later if UN agencies, or the U.S. government, put pressure on Israel. “This again made us feel like it’s a game of power and influence,” he said. “What are the security concerns if tent poles were banned for the first six months, but then later allowed in? Or just recently, generators were only allowed up to 32 kilowatts and now they’ve increased that up to 40 kilowatts,” he noted. “When there is pressure from above, [for instance] from the U.S., all of a sudden those security concerns seem less real. This gives us the impression that they are just trying to give us the bare minimum as opposed to being an honest broker who wants to facilitate aid in.” But even U.S. pressure can only get so far. On Oct. 13, the U.S. State and Defense Secretaries issued a joint 30-day ultimatum to the Israeli government, demanding it “surge all forms of humanitarian assistance” into the Gaza Strip and “end isolation of northern Gaza,” warning that failure to comply could jeopardize military aid. Exactly one month later, after Israel failed to comply with both demands, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer replied to the U.S. Secretaries, informing them that the number of aid trucks entering Gaza in September and October had, in fact, decreased. They attributed this “largely to operational reasons and specific intelligence warnings of attacks that were being planned at the crossings and using the humanitarian aid delivery system,” without backing those claims with any evidence. Tents housing displaced Palestinians, at Yarmouk Stadium in Gaza City, November 24, 2024. (Omar El-Qattaa) Tents housing displaced Palestinians, at Yarmouk Stadium in Gaza City, November 24, 2024. (Omar El-Qattaa) In the letter, Israel also noted that 30 items had been removed from the restricted list of “dual-use” items in preparation for winter. These articles — cleared for entry only from November 13 — included essentials such as large tents, tent elevation platforms, portable toilets, sleeping bags, hand warmers, and rainwater storage systems. For the first time, personal protective gear was also allowed, but sources told +972 that aid workers were required to take the equipment with them when they left Gaza. According to the MedGlobal employee, COGAT provides no clear guidelines for its inspection process. Bulk items submitted to pre-clearance can remain pending for weeks or months, if they ever get approved at all, and most life-saving equipment such as ventilators or oxygen concentrators had been outright rejected in the last six months. The most difficult aspect of delivering aid into Gaza, according to multiple sources, is coordinating entry after Israel has granted approval for the bulk of items. Aid organizations are required to provide COGAT with exhaustive details about the cargo, including information about the driver, the vehicle’s license plate, the origin of the items, the source of funding, and the final delivery destination. However, even when all these requirements are meticulously met, Israeli authorities routinely deny shipments without any clear explanation. “COGAT acts like gaslighting aficionados. They will reject the entry of supplies and tell you that it was your fault, that there was an error in the form or that you didn’t coordinate the entry with the World Health Organization. There are a million reasons why a truck doesn’t get in,” the MedGlobal worker explained. In early September, the NGO eventually succeeded, after four to five attempts, in bringing 25 oxygen concentrators into Gaza, but they haven’t managed to replicate that success since then. The COGAT spokesperson told +972 that Israel “maintains ongoing communication with international community representatives and with local authorities who raise medical needs from the field,” and works to address those needs, whether “it involves the entry of equipment or the coordination of humanitarian activities.” They claimed that since the beginning of the war, “tens of thousands of tons of medical supplies have entered, including medications for cancer patients, insulin pens, anesthetic agents, X-ray machines, CT scanners, and oxygen generators for hospitals.” Discrimination against Palestinian Medics All medics who spoke to +972 described an overwhelming sense of uncertainty leading up to their deployments. Permission to enter Gaza — or to leave after completing their missions — was often confirmed just hours before the scheduled departure of their medical convoys. In many cases, COGAT would arbitrarily delay both entry and exit dates for weeks without any explanation, affecting scheduled surgeries back in their home countries. Most medical interviewees also affirmed that Israeli authorities systematically deny entry into Gaza to doctors of Palestinian descent, even if they hold American, Canadian, or British citizenship. Some NGO workers noted that even medics with no direct connection to Palestine but hailing from Muslim-majority countries, such as Egypt or Kuwait, have been barred entry by COGAT without any explanation. Members of the World Health Organization and the Palestinian Red Crescent evacuate Palestinian patients from the European Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on November 6, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90) Members of the World Health Organization and the Palestinian Red Crescent evacuate Palestinian patients from the European Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on November 6, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90) “I’m not Palestinian and I have no family there, but I feel like they’re equal to us, so why would I not go if I have the skills to help them?” one source, who wished to remain anonymous, told +972. After attempting to return to Gaza for the third time this January, they were again denied by Israeli authorities with no explanation. Last July, a CNN report revealed that WHO was advising aid groups not to bring in medical professionals with dual citizenship or Palestinian background to Gaza — even if only through a parent or grandparent — as they were having “issues with permits,” which the organization described as Israel’s new policy, according to internal memos. In response to +972’s inquiry about this discriminatory policy, COGAT’s spokesperson declined to comment. This open display of racial discrimination was also reported firsthand by American health care workers and British and Canadian physicians who had all volunteered in Gazan hospitals. “Incredibly, Israel continues to block healthcare workers of Palestinian descent from working in Gaza, even American citizens. This makes a mockery of the American ideal that ‘all men are created equal’ and degrades both our national ideals and our profession,” the American volunteers wrote in October to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “Our work is lifesaving. Our Palestinian healthcare colleagues in Gaza are desperate for relief and protection, and they deserve both.” Two officials at the Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), a UK-based charity that has had several of its volunteers denied entry into Gaza, told +972 that the ban on workers of Palestinian descent is more of an open secret than an explicit prohibition. “The form that we need to send to COGAT asks for the name of the father and grandfather, [and] they specifically ask about any Palestinian background. So it is not said to be prohibited, but I’m not sure that if you [say that you are of Palestinian descent] you can enter Gaza.” Members of the Jordanian field hospital installs prosthetic limbs for Palestinian amputees who were injured during the war, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, September 17, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib / Flash90) Members of the Jordanian field hospital installs prosthetic limbs for Palestinian amputees who were injured during the war, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, September 17, 2024. (Abed Rahim Khatib / Flash90) Dr. Ana Jeelani, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and MAP volunteer from the UK, entered Gaza in March of 2024 with a team of volunteers consisting of a British-Indian anesthesiologist, four Jordanians, and one Kuwaiti. All of them got in without issues, she said, along with 54 suitcases full of medical equipment and food. But last July, when a team of five tried to enter to provide care at Nasser hospital in southern Gaza, Israel rejected two of them. “They got to Jordan and then they didn’t get clearance, even after waiting for two weeks. COGAT gave no reason why they were denied entry, and [they] could only take one suitcase and personal belongings,” she said. “It’s just nefarious. You don’t know until the night before whether you got clearance. COGAT keeps you to the last minute, and they can decline your clearance for whatever reason.” One of the people rejected was Dr. Jeelani’s British-Indian colleague, a Muslim woman, who waited in Amman for two weeks only to find her name persistently listed as “pending” by COGAT. Speaking anonymously, she remarked that the Israeli policy is so unpredictable that even when humanitarian organizations carefully select individuals they believe will be granted entry, “it’s almost a gamble.” Some of the doctors interviewed by +972 suggested that individuals who had previously been allowed into Gaza, but were later left in limbo, may have been targeted in retaliation for speaking out about what they had witnessed. This claim could not be independently verified. The restrictions on foreign doctors, who would otherwise be a glimmer of hope for Gazans, is yet another blow to a healthcare system that has had more than 1,000 of its professionals killed, most of its hospitals destroyed, and many staff arbitrarily arrested. Most read on +972 “Your chances of survival are just so low,” Jeelani said, haunted by the memory of a mass casualty attack in March on Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Among the injured was a young girl who was in her family’s apartment when it was hit by an Israeli airstrike. She arrived at Al Aqsa Hospital with her bowel eviscerated, a devastating head injury, and both legs shattered with severe open wounds. “Despite her critical injuries, doctors tried using whatever resources were available to save her, but they couldn’t,” Jeelani recalled. “If I saw her when I was back in October, she wouldn’t have even made it to an operating theater. Everyone is just waiting for death.” https://www.972mag.com/the-deadly-cost-of-israels-restrictions-on-foreign-doctors-in-gaza/
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    The deadly cost of Israel’s restrictions on foreign doctors in Gaza
    Denied entry or medical supplies after Israel's takeover of Rafah, volunteer physicians describe a policy purposely designed to prevent live-saving work.
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