MSF Suspends Non-Critical Hospital Operations in Gaza Amid Security Breaches
Doctors Without Borders, known by its acronym MSF, has announced the suspension of some of its medical operations at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, following reports from patients and staff of armed, masked men roaming parts of the facility. This decision, disclosed in a recent update on the aid group's website, highlights escalating security threats in one of the few functioning hospitals in the war-torn strip.
Security Threats Force Difficult Decision
MSF stated that all non-critical medical services at Nasser Hospital were halted due to serious security breaches that endangered both teams and patients. The suspension, which occurred in January, was first revealed in the frequently asked questions section of MSF's site, updated on February 11. This marks a rare public acknowledgment by an international organization of armed presence in medical facilities since the conflict began over two years ago.
The aid group cited an increase in incidents since the U.S.-brokered October ceasefire, with reports of armed men in areas where MSF does not operate. MSF teams have reported a pattern of unacceptable acts including the presence of armed men, intimidation, arbitrary arrests of patients, and a recent situation of suspicion of movement of weapons, the statement explained. It remains unclear who these armed individuals are, as MSF could not specify their affiliation.
Impact on Gaza's Depleted Medical System
Nasser Hospital is a critical hub in Gaza, treating hundreds of patients and war-wounded, including Palestinian prisoners released as part of ceasefire deals. MSF's suspension will significantly affect services, with the group ending support to paediatrics and maternity wards, including the neonatal intensive care unit. Outpatient consultations for 3D burn screening, mental health, and other non-critical services are also indefinitely suspended.
Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the records department at the health ministry, warned that the suspension would have a major impact, as hundreds of patients are admitted daily to maternity and burn wards. While the Ministry of Health will take over maternity care, burn victims face limited options. MSF will continue supporting critical services like inpatient and surgical departments for traumatic or burn injuries until further notice.
Broader Context of Hospital Security in Gaza
Armed groups have proliferated across Gaza during the war, with some backed by Israel's army in Israeli-controlled areas. Nasser Hospital staff report repeated attacks by armed tribesmen and militias, despite police presence. MSF has expressed concerns to authorities, emphasizing that hospitals must remain neutral, civilian spaces. The group also noted heightened worries due to previous deliberate Israeli attacks on health facilities.
Throughout the conflict, Israel has struck hospitals multiple times, accusing Hamas of operating in or around them. Hamas security personnel have been seen inside hospitals, blocking access to certain areas. Some released hostages have claimed to have been held in hospitals during captivity. In response, the Hamas-run interior ministry announced on Saturday that police would be deployed to secure hospitals and remove armed presence, with legal action against violators.
International Law and Aid Group Challenges
Under international law, hospitals have special protections during war but can lose immunity if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. However, attacks must provide ample warning for evacuation and avoid disproportionate harm to civilians. Aid groups and rights organizations argue that Israel has decimated Gaza's health system, forcing most hospitals to shut down and damaging others severely.
Israel has been cracking down on aid groups in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including MSF, banning over three dozen organizations for non-compliance with new registration rules. MSF warns that this decision will have a catastrophic impact on its work in Gaza, where it funds and staffs six hospitals, runs two field hospitals, eight primary health centers, clinics, medical points, and two of Gaza's five stabilization centers for severely malnourished children.
