Gaza’s Nasser Hospital slams MSF’s ‘unsubstantiated’ armed men allegation | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Nasser Hospital Complex Condemns MSF Amid Operational Suspension
Khan Younis, Gaza — The Nasser Hospital Complex has criticized the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF), asserting that the group misrepresented facts regarding the presence of armed individuals and weapons within the facility. The statement comes after MSF announced the suspension of its noncritical medical operations at the hospital due to security concerns.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Nasser Hospital described MSF’s claims as “false, unsubstantiated, and misleading.” The hospital added that such allegations posed a serious risk to its status as a protected civilian medical facility, one of the few remaining large hospitals still operational in southern Gaza.
On Saturday, MSF cited security breaches, including reports from patients and staff about armed men in parts of the hospital grounds, as the reason for halting its operations. The Geneva-based organization emphasized that these threats to its teams and patients had escalated since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was brokered by the United States in October.
In response, the Nasser Hospital accused MSF of perpetuating narratives that have historically justified attacks on medical facilities. The hospital urged MSF to retract its allegations regarding armed presence at the site and to reaffirm its commitment to medical neutrality based on verified facts.
The hospital’s statement highlighted that the Gaza Strip is experiencing a prolonged state of emergency due to repeated assaults on civilian institutions. It acknowledged that while isolated unlawful actions by individuals may occur, they do not reflect the overall situation or practices at the hospital.
Additionally, the hospital has faced its own share of threats and attacks and has taken steps to ensure safety through the presence of civilian police, in compliance with local and international law.
The organization Doctors Against Genocide also weighed in, claiming that MSF’s statements have jeopardized the safety of healthcare workers and patients at Nasser Hospital by creating a volatile environment.
MSF’s decision to suspend operations followed a directive issued by Israel, which mandated that MSF and several other international organizations cease their activities in Gaza and the occupied West Bank unless they complied with new operational requirements, including the submission of detailed staff information.
Previously, MSF had declined to provide Israel with a list of its personnel, citing inadequate guarantees for their safety. The current situation in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing concerns over the destruction of healthcare infrastructure amidst continued hostilities.
