The situation in Gaza remains tense, particularly in healthcare settings amid ongoing conflict. One of the last large hospitals in the region, Nasser Hospital, has found itself at the center of a controversy involving international medical organization Doctors Without Borders. This article delves into the implications of their recent decision amidst rising concerns over security and patient safety.
Doctors Without Borders Suspends Operations
CAIRO (AP) — One of Gaza’s last functioning large hospitals condemned the decision by Doctors Without Borders to withdraw from operations due to concerns about armed men. In a statement on Sunday, the facility asserted that it had implemented civilian police for security purposes.
The unusual public disagreement between two prominent healthcare providers in Gaza coincides with a rising Palestinian death toll, which has surpassed 600 since the commencement of a recent ceasefire. Reports indicate at least 11 Palestinians lost their lives due to Israeli fire in the past 24 hours, according to local hospitals.
Doctors Without Borders, referred to by its acronym MSF, announced on Saturday that all non-critical medical operations at Nasser Hospital were halted due to security breaches posing “serious” risks to both its staff and patients. They noted an increase in armed personnel spotted within the hospital premises since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire initiated in October.
Nasser Hospital responded on Sunday, arguing that the reported increase in armed personnel resulted from the establishment of a civilian police force dedicated to protecting patients and staff. The hospital criticized MSF for making “factually incorrect and irresponsible” claims that could jeopardize the status of the medical facility.
One of Gaza’s Few Functioning Hospitals
Hundreds of patients and those wounded in the conflict have been treated daily at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The facility has also served as a critical hub for Palestinian prisoners released by Israel in exchange for Israeli hostages as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
MSF reported a concerning pattern of incidents, including the sighting of armed men, intimidation of medical staff, arbitrary arrests of patients, and suspicions regarding the movement of weapons. While the suspension of operations was enacted in January, the announcement has recently surfaced.
Staff at Nasser Hospital have reported repeated attacks by masked, armed individuals and militias, thus emphasizing the necessity of having an armed civilian police presence.
Hamas remains the prevailing power in parts of Gaza not under Israeli control, including the area surrounding Nasser Hospital. However, the conflict has led to the emergence of numerous armed groups, some of which are supported by Israel’s military in the sections of the strip they control.
Israel’s military has claimed to possess intelligence indicating that Nasser Hospital serves as a headquarters and military position for high-ranking Hamas officials, although it has not presented any evidence for these assertions. The military described MSF’s decision to suspend operations as significant, albeit regrettably delayed.
Throughout the ongoing war that began with Hamas’ assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted hospitals, including Nasser, alleging the presence of Hamas operatives within or near their premises. Reports have indicated that Hamas security personnel have often been seen inside hospitals, restricting access to certain areas. Some hostages released from Gaza revealed that they spent time during captivity in Nasser Hospital.
11 Palestinians Killed in Strikes Across Gaza
At least 11 Palestinians were reported killed by Israeli fire on Sunday in various locations across Gaza, according to local hospital authorities.
Among the deceased were five men in their twenties, killed in the eastern region of Khan Younis, with Nasser Hospital confirming it received their bodies. The casualties occurred near the Yellow Line, which delineates Israeli-controlled territories from the rest of Gaza.
According to Rami Shaqra, his son, al-Baraa, was among the group of militants securing the area against potential attacks from Israeli forces or Israeli-supported armed groups when the strike occurred. Shaqra stated, “They were in the area they say is safe.”
Associated Press footage revealed that at least two of the deceased wore headbands indicating their membership with the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing.
A separate drone strike in northern Gaza targeted a group of individuals in the Falluja area of the Jabaliya refugee camp, resulting in five fatalities, as reported by Shifa Hospital. Another drone strike in Gaza City claimed one additional life.
Israel’s military asserted it conducted multiple strikes in retaliation to various ceasefire violations observed near the Yellow Line, including militants attempting to conceal themselves in debris and others attempting to cross the line while armed.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on October 10, aimed to put an end to over two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. While the most intense fighting has lessened, the ceasefire has not stopped near-daily incidents of Israeli fire.
Israeli strikes in military-controlled zones have led to the death of 602 Palestinians, as reported by health officials in Gaza. The ministry, associated with the Hamas-led government, maintains comprehensive casualty records, which are considered generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts, although they do not differentiate between civilians and militants.
Militant groups have executed shooting attacks aimed at Israeli troops, with Israel asserting that its strikes are retaliatory measures. Four Israeli soldiers have also been killed during this time.
Two Israeli Soldiers Attacked by Ultra-Orthodox Jews
In Israel, two female Israeli soldiers were rescued from riots in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak. Footage captured two soldiers being swiftly escorted away by police as thousands of ultra-Orthodox men pursued them, shouting.
Many individuals within Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community are outraged over regulations that could mandate their military service, prompting frequent protests.
Israeli police reported that the soldiers were conducting a welfare visit but had failed to coordinate with the authorities. At least 22 individuals were arrested as demonstrators vandalized police motorcycles, attacked officers, hurled debris, and overturned a police vehicle.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decried the assault on the soldiers, attributing the violence to an “extremist minority.”
Totaling about 1.3 million, ultra-Orthodox Jews constitute approximately 13% of Israel’s population, largely opposing conscription on the grounds that their primary obligation lies in religious study. The exemptions from mandatory military service have intensified a widening divide in the nation, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Key Takeaways
- Doctors Without Borders has suspended operations at Nasser Hospital due to security concerns.
- The hospital claims the increase in armed personnel is related to civilian police security efforts.
- More than 600 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire began, with recent strikes escalating tensions.
- Evidence of armed groups operating within healthcare facilities has been a point of controversy.
- Tensions between ultra-Orthodox Jews and Israeli military service laws are growing, resulting in public unrest.
FAQ
What led to Doctors Without Borders suspending operations in Gaza?
Concerns about armed men within Nasser Hospital prompted Doctors Without Borders to withdraw from noncritical medical operations.
How has the conflict affected hospitals in Gaza?
Hospitals, including Nasser, have faced attacks and allegations of being used by armed groups, raising significant security concerns.
What is the current death toll from ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza?
As of now, over 600 Palestinians have died since the recent ceasefire began, with ongoing airstrikes contributing to the casualties.
The situation in Gaza is continually evolving, with healthcare facilities like Nasser Hospital caught in the crossfire. The challenges faced by medical providers highlight the critical need for security and stability in the region.
