May 21, 2024

Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Safe Evacuation of Dr. Adam Hamawy From Gaza

Dr. Adam Hamawy, a resident of South Brunswick, NJ and a retired U.S. Army combat surgeon who had been volunteering at the European Hospital in southern Gaza, near the city of Rafah, was safely evacuated earlier today. 

Dr. Hamawy served in Iraq, and performed surgery on Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), after her helicopter was shot down. She credits him with saving her life. 

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the safe evacuation of Dr. Adam Hamawy from the Gaza Strip:

“I thank God that Dr. Hamawy has been safely evacuated from Gaza,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “I am deeply relieved, and I know his family are even more so. I’m grateful to our partners in the State Department, U.S. Embassy in Israel, and Senator Duckworth’s office, for working around the clock to secure his safe passage home to New Jersey. 

“Now the most important thing is that the medical team that has been waiting in Egypt to relieve Dr. Hamawy be allowed into Gaza to administer humanitarian aid to the countless innocent civilians still trapped there, who so desperately need it. 

“The Biden Administration has rightly drawn a red line at Rafah, and they must stick to it. A full-force military operation in the densely populated area will kill countless civilians, wreaking unimaginable devastation on the thousands upon thousands of innocent women and children who have nowhere left to run. 

“There must be an immediate and lasting ceasefire, so negotiators can secure the release of the hostages and an end to the violence. I am so grateful for Dr. Hamawy’s safe return, and will continue to pray for peace.”