Nasser Hospital Denounces MSF Over Armed-Presence Claims
MSF suspended noncritical operations at Nasser Hospital after reports of armed men; the hospital says the armed presence is civilian police and demands a retraction to protect patients and staff.
Overview
MSF suspended all noncritical medical operations at Nasser Hospital in January, citing security breaches including sightings of armed men, intimidation, arbitrary arrests of patients and suspected movement of weapons, the group said.
Nasser Hospital condemned MSF’s statements as false and unsubstantiated, said the armed presence reflected civilian police protecting patients and staff, and warned that the allegations endanger a facility serving over one million civilians.
The Israeli military said it had intelligence that Nasser Hospital was being used as a headquarters for senior Hamas officials and called MSF’s move important but late, while MSF said it had raised concerns with relevant authorities.
Gaza health officials reported 11 Palestinians killed in the last 24 hours and 601 to 602 Palestinians killed since the October ceasefire, and Nasser Hospital treats hundreds of patients and war-wounded daily and served as a hub for released prisoners.
MSF said it will continue inpatient and surgical services while suspending multiple noncritical outpatient, pediatrics and maternity supports indefinitely, and the suspension was enacted in January but only recently announced.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story largely neutrally, reporting MSF’s security concerns, Nasser Hospital’s rebuttal, and Israeli claims without endorsing any side. Editorial choices emphasize attributed quotes, balanced sourcing, and contextual facts (casualty counts, ceasefire background), which reduces visible framing and foregrounds source content rather than an imposed narrative.
Sources (6)
FAQ
MSF reported armed men, some masked, in the hospital compound, intimidation, arbitrary arrests of patients, and suspicion of weapons movement, with an uptick since the ceasefire.
Nasser Hospital denounced the statements as false, stating the armed presence was civilian police protecting patients and staff, and demanded a retraction. Gaza authorities said security personnel were civilian police and committed to preventing armed presence, blaming armed family members.
MSF suspended noncritical activities like outpatient, pediatrics, maternity, and mental health services, but continued inpatient and surgical care for emergency and lifesaving treatment.
The Israeli military stated it had intelligence that Nasser Hospital was used as a headquarters for senior Hamas officials and called MSF’s suspension important but late.
MSF suspended noncritical operations since January 20, but announced it recently; the exact reason for the delay in announcement is not specified in reports.
History
3 sources