Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders, MSF) announced on Friday the suspension of lifesaving medical activities in Gaza City due to what they termed an “unacceptable level of risk” for both staff and patients amidst intensified Israeli military operations.
In a statement, MSF detailed the precarious situation, noting ongoing airstrikes and the presence of advancing tanks just under a kilometer from their healthcare facilities. “The escalating attacks from Israeli forces have created an unacceptable level of risk for our staff, forcing us to suspend lifesaving medical activities,” the organization stated.
Jacob Granger, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Gaza, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “We have been left with no choice but to stop our activities, as our clinics are encircled by Israeli forces. This is the last thing we wanted, as the needs in Gaza City are enormous, with the most vulnerable people — infants in neo-natal care, those with severe injuries and life-threatening illnesses — unable to move and in grave danger.”
While tens of thousands have fled south following evacuation orders, MSF reported that hundreds of thousands remain trapped in Gaza City, facing dire circumstances. Many are confronted with what the organization described as an impossible choice: remain under bombardment and worsening law and order, or abandon their homes for regions where humanitarian conditions are rapidly deteriorating.
Hospitals across the enclave are struggling to function due to significant shortages of personnel, medical supplies, and fuel. Patients often arrive in critical condition and with delayed treatment, according to MSF.
Despite the challenging circumstances, MSF’s clinics in Gaza City provided over 3,600 consultations and treated 1,655 malnourished individuals just last week, along with trauma and burn victims, pregnant women, and others in need of ongoing medical care.
MSF confirmed it will continue support services at Al-Helou and Al-Shifa hospitals while these facilities remain operational. Additionally, their teams are providing care at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Al-Aqsa Hospital in the Middle Area, and several field hospitals in southern Gaza.
The organization has called for an immediate cessation of violence and urged Israeli authorities to ensure unhindered humanitarian access. “People in Gaza City have been repeatedly and relentlessly bombed. They are exhausted and are being deliberately deprived of the essentials needed to survive,” MSF said.
The conflict has reportedly led to the deaths of at least 65,549 individuals and wounded 167,518 since October 2023, with thousands more believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Tags: MSF, Gaza City, medical activities, Israeli offensive, humanitarian crisis
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