Chicago protesters condemn Israel's attack on Nasser Hospital
Chicago doctor calls for ceasefire, consequences after airstrike on Gaza hospital
Chicago Dr. Garana Syed shared a message from her friend, describing the horror of the attack.
CHICAGO - A Chicago physician issued a desperate plea for action Thursday as her friend, Dr. Tammy Abughnaim, remains trapped in Gaza’s Nasser Hospital following an overnight airstrike.
Speaking at a gathering organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Chicago, the doctor joined others in calling for a ceasefire and accountability for the attack.
What we know:
Dozens gathered at CAIR Chicago’s downtown offices to condemn Israel’s recent military strikes, calling them a violation of international law.
Their focus was the bombing of Nasser Hospital, where Abughnaim was providing medical care.
Dr. Garana Syed, a Chicago physician and friend of Abughnaim, shared a message from her, describing the horror of the attack.
"I don't think I can adequately describe what it felt like, knowing we were targets, that our department was in danger, that everyone around us was in danger and not knowing what would happen next," Syed said.
According to the group, Abughnaim is now treating patients in a hospital damaged by missile strikes, with little access to food, medicine, or safe shelter.
What they're saying:
CAIR Chicago is demanding an arms embargo against Israel and an immediate ceasefire.
The organization is also urging lawmakers to investigate what it calls politically-motivated deportations of pro-Palestinian students in the U.S.
"One day, 174 children were killed. We know about the mass shootings and how much this week these events rightly shake up our country. Sometimes it's eight kids, sometimes 12 kids. Imagine if we had a mass shooting, God forbid, where 174 children are killed in one event. That is what we're facing in Gaza, and that's what's barely making the news, let alone getting these elected officials off their seats. Let's put it politely to get up and do something about it," a CAIR-Chicago representative said.
The civil rights group is also demanding protection for students in the U.S. who have been detained or deported for pro-Palestinian activism.
What's next:
The war in Gaza started back up earlier this month following a ceasefire announcement in January.
Activists continue to push for action from lawmakers and international bodies.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Chicago, and Dr. Garana Syed.