Doctors Without Borders Suspends Noncritical Care at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital Amid Security Concerns
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza — Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), widely known as Doctors Without Borders, announced the suspension of noncritical medical operations at Nasser Hospital in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis due to escalating security concerns. The decision, effective since January 20, 2026, reflects growing unease among staff and patients about the presence of armed and masked individuals within the hospital compound, as well as reported intimidation and interference with medical activities.
MSF’s update, posted on its frequently asked questions page and last revised on February 11, 2026, details a pattern of unacceptable incidents that have compromised the hospital’s management and safety. While the suspension of certain medical services had not been widely publicized until recently, the organization emphasized that the move was necessary to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
According to MSF, the presence of armed groups inside the hospital has created an environment where medical staff face intimidation, undermining their ability to provide impartial care. The organization’s concerns echo broader challenges faced by humanitarian groups operating in conflict zones, where hospitals can become entangled in hostilities or used as strategic assets.
Nasser Hospital, located in Khan Younis, serves a significant portion of Gaza’s population, providing critical healthcare amid ongoing tensions and periodic escalations in violence. The suspension of nonurgent care at such a pivotal facility has raised alarms among international observers and local residents alike, who fear worsening access to medical treatment.
Humanitarian operations in Gaza have long been complicated by security risks and political dynamics. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has repeatedly highlighted the difficulties faced by medical personnel working under threat and the impact on civilian health services.
In response to MSF’s announcement, some Gaza-based aid groups have criticized the decision, accusing Doctors Without Borders of spreading misleading claims about hospital conditions. Nonetheless, MSF maintains that its priority remains the safety of its staff and patients, a stance consistent with its global mandate to provide medical care in the most challenging environments.
The suspension of noncritical operations at Nasser Hospital underscores the fragile nature of healthcare delivery in Gaza, where frequent clashes and political instability exacerbate humanitarian needs. The World Health Organization has documented ongoing shortages of medical supplies and personnel in the region, further complicating efforts to maintain essential services.
As MSF continues to monitor the situation, the organization has called on all parties to respect the neutrality and security of medical facilities. The protection of healthcare workers and patients remains a cornerstone of international humanitarian law, as outlined by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The developments at Nasser Hospital serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by humanitarian actors in conflict zones worldwide. Ensuring safe access to medical care amid ongoing violence remains a critical concern for the international community and underscores the urgent need for sustained diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
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