Israel has stated it will prevent Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) from operating in Gaza after the medical charity refused to provide a list of its personnel. The Israeli government ordered MSF, along with 36 other organizations, to submit documentation outlining their local and international workers, citing concerns that some of the charity’s staff might have links to groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which MSF has strongly denied.
In a statement, MSF indicated it could not comply with the request for a staff list due to a lack of 'assurances' regarding the safety of its personnel. In reaction to MSF's refusal, Israeli officials declared their intent to terminate the organization's activities in Gaza.
The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism justified the restrictions, claiming they were a necessary measure to prevent 'the infiltration of terrorist operatives into humanitarian structures.' Recent announcements indicated the potential revocation of licenses for several international NGOs operating in Gaza, demanding compliance within 60 days.
This decision received backlash from multiple nations, including the UK, France, and Canada, which argued that such regulations could severely hinder access to critical healthcare services in the region. MSF reported that it provides a significant portion of healthcare services in Gaza, including approximately 20% of hospital beds, and had conducted over 800,000 medical consultations in the past year alone.
The backdrop of heightened conflict in the area complicates the situation further, as the current war began following a Hamas-led attack on Israel, leading to extensive casualties on both sides. The ongoing military operations have been met with international concern regarding humanitarian access and the safety of NGO staff on the ground.
In a statement, MSF indicated it could not comply with the request for a staff list due to a lack of 'assurances' regarding the safety of its personnel. In reaction to MSF's refusal, Israeli officials declared their intent to terminate the organization's activities in Gaza.
The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism justified the restrictions, claiming they were a necessary measure to prevent 'the infiltration of terrorist operatives into humanitarian structures.' Recent announcements indicated the potential revocation of licenses for several international NGOs operating in Gaza, demanding compliance within 60 days.
This decision received backlash from multiple nations, including the UK, France, and Canada, which argued that such regulations could severely hinder access to critical healthcare services in the region. MSF reported that it provides a significant portion of healthcare services in Gaza, including approximately 20% of hospital beds, and had conducted over 800,000 medical consultations in the past year alone.
The backdrop of heightened conflict in the area complicates the situation further, as the current war began following a Hamas-led attack on Israel, leading to extensive casualties on both sides. The ongoing military operations have been met with international concern regarding humanitarian access and the safety of NGO staff on the ground.
