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CAIRO – In a recent development, one of the few remaining operational large hospitals in Gaza has voiced its disapproval of a decision made by an international humanitarian organization to halt operations due to security concerns. This decision emerges amidst a backdrop of escalating violence, as at least 10 Palestinians have been reportedly killed in confrontations with the Israeli military within the Gaza Strip.
The international medical charity, Doctors Without Borders, widely recognized by its French acronym MSF, announced on Saturday that it would suspend all non-emergency medical activities at Nasser Hospital. The organization cited security breaches, describing them as “serious” threats to their teams and the patients they serve. Since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in October, MSF reported an uptick in sightings of armed individuals within the hospital premises.
On Sunday, Nasser Hospital responded to MSF’s claims, indicating that the presence of armed individuals was linked to the deployment of civilian police intended to safeguard both patients and staff. The hospital criticized MSF’s assertions, labeling them as “factually incorrect, irresponsible,” and warned that such claims could jeopardize the safety of a civilian medical facility.
Located in Khan Younis, Nasser Hospital stands as one of the last operational hospitals in Gaza. It plays a crucial role in providing medical care to hundreds of patients daily, including those wounded in the ongoing conflict. Moreover, it has served as a key site for the exchange of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel under the current ceasefire agreement, which saw the swap of prisoners for Israeli hostages.
Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis is one of the territory’s few functioning hospitals. Hundreds of patients and war-wounded have been treated there daily, and the facility was a hub for Palestinian prisoners released by Israel in exchange for Israeli hostages as part of the current ceasefire deal.
“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 organization said. The suspension occurred in January but was only recently announced.
Nasser Hospital staff say that in recent months it has been repeatedly attacked by masked, armed men and militias, which is why the presence of an armed civilian police force is crucial. Hamas remains the dominant force in areas not under Israeli control, including in the area where Nasser Hospital is located. But other armed groups have mushroomed across Gaza as a result of the war, including groups backed by Israel’s army in the Israeli-controlled part of the strip.
Throughout the war, which began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has repeatedly struck hospitals, including Nasser, accusing the militant group of operating in or around them. Hamas security men often have been seen inside hospitals, blocking access to some areas.
Some hostages released from Gaza have said they spent time during captivity in a hospital, including Nasser Hospital.
Ten Palestinians killed in strikes across Gaza
At least 10 Palestinians were killed Sunday by Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip, hospital authorities said.
The dead include five men, all in their 20s, who were killed in an Israeli strike in the eastern part of Khan Younis city, according to the Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies. The strike hit a group of people in an area close to the Yellow Line which separates Israeli-controlled areas from the rest of Gaza, it said.
The Israeli military did not comment on the strike but has said in the past it will attack militants if its troops are threatened, especially near the Yellow Line.
Rami Shaqra said his son, al-Baraa, was among the militants who were securing the area from potential attacks by the Israeli forces or Israeli-backed armed groups, when they were hit by the Israeli military. He said that they were killed by an airstrike.
Associated Press footage from the morgue showed at least two of the men had headbands denoting membership in the Qassam Brigades, the militant arm of Hamas. In northern Gaza, a drone strike hit a group of people in the Falluja area of Jabaliya refugee camp, killing five people, according to the Shifa Hospital.
The Israeli military said it was striking northern Gaza in response to several ceasefire violations near the Yellow Line, including militants attempting to hide in debris and others who attempted to cross the line while armed.
The Oct. 10 U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal attempted to halt a more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas. While the heaviest fighting has subsided, the ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire.
Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes and frequently fire on Palestinians near military-held zones, killing 601 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. But it does not give a breakdown of civilians and militants.
Militants have carried out shooting attacks on troops, and Israel says its strikes are in response to that and other violations. Four Israeli soldiers have been killed.
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Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel.
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