The organization Doctors Without Borders (known by the acronym MSF) announced the temporary suspension of its non-essential medical activities at Nasser Hospital, located in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip
The decision took effect on January 20, 2025, mainly motivated by the constant presence of armed men within the hospital facilities and a recent situation that raised suspicions of weapons movement on the premises.
According to MSF, since the ceasefire negotiated by the United States between Israel and Hamas in October 2024, there has been a significant increase in these problems.
Organizational teams repeatedly observed armed men circulating in areas of the hospital, including some masked men, who intimidated people, carried out arbitrary arrests of patients, and created an environment of constant insecurity.
These actions occurred in parts of the hospital complex where MSF does not directly operate, but posed a serious risk to both healthcare professionals and patients.
The organization highlighted that this is the first time an international humanitarian organization has publicly reported the presence of armed men in a Gaza hospital and the possibility of the location being used for weapons trafficking.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, MSF decided to maintain support for critical services, such as inpatient care and life-saving surgeries, in order to avoid completely interrupting essential assistance.
The Hamas-controlled Gaza Interior Ministry responded by stating that it will prevent the presence of armed individuals in hospitals and take legal action against those who violate this rule.
According to them, some members of local families had recently entered the hospital, but without clear identification of specific groups.
This measure reflects the enormous difficulties faced by humanitarian teams in maintaining neutrality and security amidst the prolonged conflict, where hospitals should be protected spaces to care for those most in need.
Published in 02/14/2026 18h46
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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