Doctors Without Borders Suspends Non-Critical Care at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital Amid Security Concerns

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has suspended non-critical medical operations at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, citing serious security concerns. The decision, initially made on January 20, stems from reports of armed men, intimidation, arbitrary arrests of patients, and suspected weapons movement within the hospital compound. Source

Security Concerns and Allegations

MSF staff and patients have reported witnessing armed individuals, some masked, in various parts of the hospital. While these incidents haven’t occurred in areas where MSF directly operates, the organization states they pose significant security risks to its teams and patients. Source MSF has formally communicated its concerns to relevant authorities, emphasizing the demand for hospitals to remain neutral, civilian spaces free from military presence or activity to ensure safe and impartial medical care.

Hospital and Hamas Response

Nasser Hospital has refuted MSF’s allegations, calling them “false, unsubstantiated, and misleading.” Hospital officials argue that isolated unlawful actions by uncontrolled individuals have occurred due to the ongoing state of emergency in Gaza, and maintain a civilian police presence has been arranged to safeguard the facility. Source

The Hamas-run Interior Ministry has stated its commitment to preventing armed presence within hospitals and promised legal action against violators, suggesting that armed individuals from Gazan families may have entered hospital grounds. Source

IDF Allegations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has asserted that it possesses intelligence indicating Hamas is using Nasser Hospital as a headquarters and military post, reiterating long-standing claims that the militant group embeds operations within civilian facilities in Gaza. Source Hamas has previously denied these allegations. Source

Impact on Medical Care

The suspension of non-critical operations by MSF impacts access to healthcare for the population in Khan Younis. MSF continues to provide lifesaving services, but the overall capacity of Nasser Hospital to deliver comprehensive medical care has been reduced. Source

As of February 11, MSF’s frequently asked questions page indicated the suspension remained in effect. Source