In a shocking turn of events, one of Gaza’s last remaining functional hospitals has publicly condemned Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for withdrawing its operations due to concerns over the presence of armed men. But here’s where it gets controversial: the hospital claims it had deployed civilian police for security, directly contradicting MSF’s allegations. This rare public dispute between two respected healthcare providers comes as the Palestinian death toll since the current ceasefire surpasses 600, with at least 11 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in the last 24 hours alone.
MSF announced on Saturday that it had suspended all noncritical medical operations at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, citing ‘serious’ security threats to its teams and patients. The organization reported an increase in sightings of armed men within the hospital compound since the U.S.-brokered October ceasefire. However, Nasser Hospital fired back on Sunday, stating that these armed individuals were part of a civilian police force aimed at protecting patients and staff. The hospital accused MSF of making ‘factually incorrect and irresponsible’ claims that endanger the facility’s protected status.
And this is the part most people miss: Nasser Hospital has been a lifeline for hundreds of patients and war-wounded daily, serving as a critical hub for Palestinian prisoners released by Israel in exchange for hostages under the ceasefire deal. The hospital’s staff argue that the presence of armed civilian police is essential, as the facility has been repeatedly attacked by masked, armed men and militias in recent months.
The situation is further complicated by the political landscape in Gaza. While Hamas remains the dominant force in areas not under Israeli control, including where Nasser Hospital is located, other armed groups have emerged due to the war. Some of these groups are even backed by Israel’s army in the Israeli-controlled part of the strip.
Israel’s military has claimed, without evidence, that Nasser Hospital is being used as a headquarters for senior Hamas officials, labeling MSF’s withdrawal as ‘important but too late.’ Throughout the conflict, which began with Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel has repeatedly targeted hospitals, including Nasser, accusing militants of operating within or near them. Hamas security personnel have often been seen inside hospitals, restricting access to certain areas.
Here’s where it gets even more contentious: Some hostages released from Gaza have reported being held in hospitals, including Nasser, during their captivity. Meanwhile, at least 11 Palestinians were killed on Sunday in Israeli strikes across Gaza, including five men in their 20s who were reportedly securing an area near the Yellow Line—the boundary separating Israeli-controlled areas from the rest of Gaza.
In a separate incident, two female Israeli soldiers were rescued from a violent riot in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, where thousands of protesters, furious over potential mandatory military service, chased them down. This issue has reopened a deep divide in Israel, with roughly 1.3 million ultra-Orthodox Jews, making up 13% of the population, opposing enlistment in favor of full-time religious study.
As tensions continue to escalate, one question remains: Who is truly responsible for ensuring the safety of medical facilities in conflict zones? Is it the duty of humanitarian organizations like MSF to adapt to challenging security environments, or should local authorities and international powers do more to protect these vital institutions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
