News|Israel-Palestine conflictOnsite gunmen force MSF to stop work at Gaza’s Nasser HospitalMedical charity’s announcement comes on the heels of Israel’s recent ban on its operations in Gaza.
## Operations Suspension at Nasser Hospital, Gaza
Operations Suspension at Nasser Hospital, Gaza
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has temporarily suspended some operations at Nasser Hospital in Gaza due to security concerns. Armed individuals, some masked, have been observed within the hospital, posing significant security risks.
MSF has halted non-essential work at the Khan Younis facility, effective Jan 20, 2026, citing issues with the management of the hospital, the safeguarding of its neutrality, and breaches in security.
Security Concerns and Operational Adjustments
The organization reported a pattern of unacceptable activities, including the presence of armed men, intimidation, arbitrary arrests of patients, and suspicions regarding the movement of weapons. MSF emphasized the necessity for hospitals to remain neutral and civilian spaces, free from military presence, to ensure safe medical care delivery.
Despite the suspension, MSF will continue supporting critical services such as inpatient and surgical departments. However, support for pediatric and maternity wards, including the neonatal intensive care unit, as well as various outpatient consultations, will cease.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has temporarily suspended some operations at Nasser Hospital in Gaza due to security concerns.
MSF has communicated its concerns to the relevant authorities, although the affiliation of the armed individuals remains unidentified. The organization highlighted previous Israeli attacks on health facilities as a factor exacerbating these concerns.
Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the records department at Gaza’s Ministry of Health, indicated that MSF's suspension will significantly impact patient care, particularly in the maternity and burn wards. The Ministry of Health plans to assume responsibility for maternity patient care.
The Ministry of Interior in Gaza has committed to preventing armed presence in hospitals and pursuing legal action against violators. It suggested that recent hospital entries were by armed members of specific families, though it did not specify which.
Israeli Restrictions on Aid Organizations
MSF's announcement follows Israel's directive requiring international organizations to comply with new operational rules, which include sharing staff information. MSF has refused to submit a staff list, citing safety concerns.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and operational challenges, with more than 72,000 Palestinians killed and 171,000 wounded since October 2023.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
