Israel orders Doctors Without Borders to cease operations in Gaza by Feb. 28
Israel has ordered Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to halt its operations in the Gaza Strip by Feb. 28, citing the organization’s refusal to submit employee lists to Israeli authorities, officials said Sunday.
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said the decision applies to all MSF activities in Gaza and follows the group’s rejection of a requirement imposed on humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank. The ministry said the staff lists are used internally to prevent the misuse of humanitarian operations for hostile purposes.
Doctors Without Borders said it declined to provide the information due to concerns over staff safety and the independence of its operations, noting that Israel had not provided sufficient assurances on either issue.
MSF is one of the largest humanitarian medical organizations working in Gaza, where the health system has been severely damaged by ongoing hostilities. Aid groups warn that its removal could further restrict access to life-saving medical care in the enclave.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, now entering its second year, has killed tens of thousands and devastated civilian infrastructure, according to health authorities and UN estimates.
