RAFAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli tanks and forces are encircling the city of Rafah — the southern city of the Gaza region right on the border of Egypt, where more than a million people have sought refuge from Israel's war against the terrorist group Hamas.
Forces from Israel are on a mission to oust the remnants of Hamas after its terror attacks last October that left more than 1,000 people dead.
The Palestinian civilian death toll, however, continues to climb as Israel moves through Gaza. That's why Dr. Mahmoud Sabha from Dallas traveled to the region to volunteer his medical expertise and bring supplies.
But now, he tells WFAA he's trapped and has missed his return flight to DFW. He was supposed to leave the area on Monday and get back Tuesday.
"What so many people have told me is that they are just so sick and tired of this war. They would love for it to end," Sabha told WFAA on Tuesday from his dorm across the street from the hospital where he's volunteering.
"It's a little bit emotional. I know my family and my two children have been screaming for me to come home in the middle of the night. I felt it was important for me to come here, but right now, I want a safe corridor for us to get back to our families and for others to relieve us so that patients aren't fearful. If we leave and no one takes over, there's no protection for them."
Per ABC News, Sabha is one of more than 20 American aid workers trapped within Gaza's borders right now. Israel officials have told ABC News that any accredited aid worker can leave right now, but some on those missions say there's no guarantee for safe passage.
Sabha is a wound care physician and is unsure when he'll return, but he added that he'd continue helping as long as possible.
He arrived in the area with medical supplies for area hospitals. He's worried for his patients if he does return home.
"They are fearful that once we leave, there is no protection for them, no shield for them," Sabha said. "We've actually been told that if we ever have to leave in a hurry, please don't cause a panic because if patients find out that we're leaving in a hurry and they know that nobody is coming in our stead, it may cause panic because they know full well what happened to the other hospitals."
Sabha is referring to Gaza hospitals that were attacked.
"Three of my bags were specifically for the NICU at a different hospital," Sabha said.
Gaza health officials report that more than 35,000 Palestinians have died since Israel's war against Hamas began. Reportedly, 82 have been killed in the last 24 hours — the highest death toll in a single day in some time.
Almost half a million people have left the region as Israeli forces continue their campaign.
"This is a human issue at this point. People, many people are suffering," Sabha said.
He is asking for prayers for a ceasefire and asking people to contact their elected officials.