Background on Médicos Sin Fronteras (MSF)
Médicos Sin Fronteras (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, is an international humanitarian organization that provides medical aid in conflict zones and areas affected by endemic diseases and chronic malnutrition. The organization operates in over 70 countries, offering emergency medical care and promoting respect for patients’ dignity and rights.
Current Situation in Gaza City
The Israeli military launched an offensive against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on September 16, initiating a ground and air operation to take control of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the Gaza Strip.
MSF Suspends Operations
In response to the intensifying Israeli offensive, MSF announced on Friday that it would suspend its activities in Gaza City as its clinics are surrounded by Israeli forces. Jacob Granger, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Gaza, stated that they had no choice but to halt operations since their facilities are encircled by the Israeli military.
“This is the last thing we wanted, as the needs in Gaza City are immense and the most vulnerable individuals—newborns in neonatal care, seriously injured people, and terminally ill patients—cannot move and are in grave danger,” Granger added.
Recent MSF Activities in Gaza City
Last week, MSF clinics in Gaza City conducted over 3,640 consultations and treated 1,655 patients suffering from malnutrition, according to the organization. MSF demands an “immediate cessation of violence” and “unhindered access” for humanitarian workers.
Continuing Support for Essential Services
Despite suspending its activities in Gaza City, MSF intends to continue supporting “essential services” at health facilities under the Ministry of Health, including Al Helou and Al Shifa hospitals, “as long as they remain operational.”
Impact on the Civilian Population
The Gaza Strip’s Civil Defense, operating under Hamas authority, reported that at least 22 people had died since dawn across the Gaza Strip, including 11 in Gaza City.
The Israeli military stated in a press release that its air force had attacked over 140 targets throughout the Gaza Strip, including “terrorists, tunnels, and military infrastructure,” in the past day.
According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), an estimated 388,400 people have fled their homes in the Gaza Strip since late August, with most displaced from Gaza City.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Médicos Sin Fronteras (MSF)? MSF is an international humanitarian organization that provides medical aid in conflict zones and areas affected by endemic diseases and chronic malnutrition.
- Why did MSF suspend operations in Gaza City? MSF suspended its activities due to Israeli military encircling their clinics in Gaza City, making it impossible to continue providing essential medical care.
- What is the current situation in Gaza City? The Israeli military launched an offensive against Hamas, initiating a ground and air operation to take control of Gaza City. This has resulted in civilian casualties and displacement.
- How many people have been displaced since late August? According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), approximately 388,400 people have fled their homes in the Gaza Strip since late August, with most displaced from Gaza City.
