Israel to Ban Medical Aid Organization from Operating in Gaza Strip

Medical Charity Terminates Operations in Gaza Due to Israeli Authority’s Demands

A medical charity, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), has announced that it will cease its humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip due to Israel’s refusal to accept a list of its Palestinian staff. The decision follows an announcement by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, which stated that MSF would be terminating its activities in the region.

The ministry had previously required all humanitarian organizations operating in the area to submit detailed information about their Palestinian employees, citing concerns over potential links between MSF staff and Palestinian groups. However, MSF claimed it had committed to sharing the list as required but ultimately refrained due to concerns for staff safety and lack of assurances on how the information would be used.

MSF stated that it will depart the Gaza Strip by February 28, following a decision made in early January. The charity has been a key provider of medical and humanitarian aid in the enclave since the war began, operating about 20 health centers and providing at least 20 percent of hospital beds.

The Israeli government’s decision to terminate MSF’s operations is seen as an extension of its efforts to restrict access to aid organizations. Aid groups have warned that without international support, critical services such as emergency care, maternal healthcare, and pediatric treatment could collapse entirely in Gaza, leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without basic medical care.

MSF has reported 15 employee fatalities during Israel’s conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. The charity has also provided drinking water to the affected population.

Source: Al Jazeera