Ontario doctor reports being denied entry to Israel while trying to reach Gaza

A Guelph doctor says he was stopped twice while attempting to enter Gaza via Israel and was later given a formal ban citing public safety. NGOs and officials have raised concerns about restrictions on medical staff entering Gaza.

Dr. Hassan Kapasi of Guelph says he was stopped while attempting to enter Gaza from Jordan and was ultimately denied entry into Israel. He says a border guard found small medical supplies during a baggage check and told him he would not be allowed through. On a later attempt he says the same guard gave him a paper citing public security or public safety reasons and said he could no longer enter Israel. Humanitarian organisations and Canadian officials told CBC News they are concerned about restrictions affecting medical staff. Key details: - Kapasi says he was stopped at the Allenby (King Hussein) Bridge during a UN-organised convoy and was denied entry after medical items were found in his baggage. - He says a second entry attempt ended with a written notice saying he is barred from entering Israel for "public security or public safety or public order considerations." - Humanity Auxilium, the NGO arranging his deployment, said it had prior approval from COGAT for his planned entry and has reported other denials of medical staff. - Kapasi told CBC News he does not plan to appeal the ban and intends to continue humanitarian work elsewhere. Summary: Officials reported the decision left Kapasi unable to enter Gaza and he received a formal ban citing public safety. The situation has prompted concern from NGOs and federal officials about access for medical personnel. Kapasi has said he will not appeal, and the prospect of him volunteering in Gaza is undetermined at this time.