Doctors Without Borders Suspends Work at Gaza Hospital Due to Armed Presence

Doctors Without Borders, also known by its French acronym MSF, announced it has suspended all non-critical medical operations at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis after reporting the presence of armed men and suspected movement of weapons inside the facility. The suspension has been in place since January 20, the organization said.

MSF stated that hospitals must remain neutral civilian spaces and said the incidents raised serious concerns for staff and patients. The organization has been one of the main international medical providers operating in Gaza since October 7.

“In recent months, in Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, patients and MSF personnel have seen armed men, some masked, in different areas of the large compound of the hospital,” the organization said in a statement. MSF clarified that the armed presence was observed in parts of the hospital where it does not directly conduct activities.

“With an uptick since the ceasefire, 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 group said. “These incidents pose serious security threats to our teams and patients.”

MSF added: “Hospitals must remain neutral, civilian spaces, free from military presence or activity, to ensure the safe and impartial delivery of medical care.”

The Hamas-run Interior Ministry said in response that it was committed to preventing any armed presence inside hospitals and that legal action would be taken against violators. It suggested that armed members of certain Gazan families had entered medical facilities but did not identify those involved.

Israel has repeatedly said that Hamas terrorists use medical facilities in Gaza as bases of operation due to their protected status under international law. Hostages released from Gaza have previously said they were held at Nasser Hospital.

Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli criticized the organization’s position. “Unfortunately, MSF is once again demonstrating a lack of transparency and acting out of irrelevant interests,” he said. Chikli added, “We are aware that MSF employs individuals who are active in terrorist organizations, which is why it hides its employee lists.”

“The organization operates in coordination with the Hamas Health Ministry, and not by coincidence, its statements were published in proximity to similar statements from elements within the Gaza Strip,” he said.

MSF has rejected the allegations and has said that sharing staff lists without guarantees could endanger its personnel.