MSFs Allegation of Armed Men at Gazas Nasser Hospital Unsubstantiated

MSF Withdraws from Nasser Hospital Operations in Gaza

The southern Gaza hospital complex, Nasser Hospital Complex, has issued a statement condemning aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for its decision to suspend all non-critical medical operations at the facility. MSF cited security breaches as the reason for its withdrawal, stating that there had been an increase in patients and staff seeing armed men in parts of the compound since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was reached in October last year.

In response, Nasser Hospital Complex has denied MSF’s allegations, calling them “false, unsubstantiated, and misleading”. The hospital claims that MSF’s statements have misrepresented facts and mirrored narratives historically used to justify attacks on hospitals. The complex is seeking an immediate retraction of the allegations and a public reaffirmation of MSF’s commitment to medical neutrality.

MSF had previously stated that it would suspend its operations at Nasser Hospital due to security concerns, but the hospital claims that these concerns were exaggerated. The hospital has also pointed out that it has arranged for civilian police in compliance with domestic law and international norms.

The decision by MSF follows a recent directive from Israel ordering the organization to halt its activities in Gaza and the occupied West Bank unless it complies with new requirements. Two weeks earlier, MSF had refused to provide Israel with a list of its personnel after failing to obtain guarantees for their safety.

Nasser Hospital Complex has stated that the hospital complex itself has been subjected to attacks and threats, and that healthcare workers and patients have been at risk as a result of MSF’s allegations. A group called Doctors Against Genocide has also condemned MSF’s actions, stating that they have made “false allegations” against the Nasser Medical Complex.

MSF’s decision is part of a broader trend of international organizations being forced to suspend their activities in Gaza due to security concerns and new requirements from Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera