I’ve always helped the victims of war. Why am I being shunned for helping people in Gaza? | Paul Spiegel

I recently returned to the US after a month in Cairo, Egypt, where I supported the UN response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In my public health career, spanning more than 30 years, I have been no stranger to the chaos and devastation of war.

I have worked during and in the aftermath of conflict and forced displacement, responding to many of the most significant humanitarian emergencies over recent decades, including in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Sudan and Ukraine.

Throughout my career, colleagues and friends have fully supported my humanitarian work. But this time was different. This time, I was accused of taking sides. This time, I was accused of betraying my Jewish heritage.

One doctor who wrote to me stated that I should be ashamed and that he was embarrassed to be my colleague. A former schoolmate with whom I hadn’t spoken in more than 40 years told me on social media that he never wished to see me again and that I should enjoy my time with my “UN friends”. And it goes on.

On one level, I understand why people may feel this way.

Like so many people around the world, I was horrified by Hamas’s reprehensible acts on 7 October, resulting in the killing of 1,200 Israelis, the torture and rape of many others, and the kidnapping of more than 200 people. It was a seismic shock to Israelis and Jews around the world, bringing back memories of the Holocaust.

Moreover, growing antisemitism has since caused many Jews to feel increasingly unsafe in a manner that has not existed for a generation.

Many of the negative comments that I received were from people who appeared to be so focused on the perceived imminent danger to themselves and to Israel that they seemed to lack empathy for the suffering of Palestinian civilians. It also seems to have rendered them unaware of my professional obligations.

But even more surprising to me is that people who consistently supported my humanitarian work before are now criticising me and questioning my judgment and motivations. Some people upset with my deployment to Egypt previously lauded me for my work in Afghanistan, Rwanda and eastern DRC. But they never called me pro-Taliban or pro-genocide.

Much of my professional life has been guided by the humanitarian imperative and its principles: that provision of aid and protection should be provided to all those in need without discrimination in an impartial, neutral and independent manner. International humanitarian law limits the effects of armed conflict by protecting people who are not participating in hostilities – without regard to politics, race, religion or national origin.

Moreover, my work is motivated by core Jewish values, particularly tikkun olam or repairing the world; pikuach nefesh or saving a life; and chesed or loving kindness.

I will continue to speak out for civilians from any side of a conflict by using scientific data and bearing witness to the devastation of war and conflict.

As a result of the war in Gaza, more than 22,000 people have been killed, 57,000 injured, and nearly 1.9 million – more than 85% of the population – displaced, crammed into hugely overcrowded shelters or on the streets, with scarcely enough water and food to survive. The toll on civilians has been massive.

Health data that I have reviewed first-hand reveals extensive suffering: a community devoid of essentials, including food, water, fuel, shelter and critical healthcare, with civilians living under persistent peril and slowly sliding towards starvation.

With only eight of Gaza’s 36 hospitals functioning, the healthcare system’s severe degradation with consistent attacks on medical facilities leaves millions in harm’s way – where no place is safe.

I was working with a team of dedicated and courageous health professionals from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the World Health Organization and Unicef. We agonised over complex health decisions.

We strategised on developing a response to waterborne epidemics when there is hardly any water to drink and one toilet for nearly 400 people in the shelters. We reconfigured plans for addressing the medical needs of civilians when we had to close health centres and shelters due to bombings, or when they were overrun by internally displaced people.

Our frequent calls with health workers in Gaza provided me with a window into their dreadful experiences – and into their professionalism and absolute dedication. They and their families, who have themselves been displaced, often multiple times, are unsure if they will have access to shelter, food or water the next day. Yet, they continue to provide care in the most unimaginable of circumstances.

I returned home from my work in the Middle East with a renewed sense of purpose, yet with a deep unease. The courage and dedication of the health workers in Gaza, their unyielding commitment despite extreme hardship and attacks on healthcare, is a powerful reminder of the value of humanitarian assistance and its principles.

I’m not taking sides. I’m supporting humanity.

• Dr Paul Spiegel has worked on the frontlines of many of the most significant humanitarian emergencies for 30 years. He is director of the Center for Humanitarian Health and professor of international health at Johns Hopkins University. This article reflects his personal views