MSF Halts Non-Critical Services amid Armed Men and Security Risks in Gaza Hospital

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has temporarily suspended non-critical medical services at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. The decision follows troubling reports of armed men and potential weapons movement within the hospital, raising serious safety concerns for staff and patients.

In response, MSF cited issues related to the hospital's security management and neutrality, halting operations on January 20. This is the first public instance where an international humanitarian organization has reported the presence of armed individuals in a Gazan medical facility.

The situation underscores continued tensions even after an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. MSF insists that hospitals must remain neutral zones, free from military activity, to protect patient care. The armed presence at Nasser Hospital poses a serious threat to this neutrality.