Khan Younis, Gaza – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has suspended noncritical medical operations at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, citing security concerns stemming from the presence of armed individuals and what the organization describes as a breakdown in the hospital’s neutrality. The suspension, initially implemented on January 20, 2026, was publicly detailed in an update to MSF’s frequently asked questions page on February 11, 2026.
MSF stated that its staff and patients have reported observing armed, and sometimes masked, men within the hospital compound in recent months. The organization likewise cited instances of intimidation, arbitrary arrests of patients, and suspicions of weapons being moved on hospital grounds. While these incidents did not occur in areas where MSF teams directly operate, the group asserts they pose a “serious security threat” to its personnel and patients.
“Hospitals must remain neutral, civilian spaces, free from military presence or activity, to ensure the safe and impartial delivery of medical care,” MSF wrote on its website. The organization has formally communicated its concerns to relevant authorities and called on all armed groups, including Hamas and Israeli forces, to respect medical facilities and protect civilians.
Nasser Hospital administration rejected MSF’s claims, labeling them “false, unsubstantiated, and misleading allegations.” In a statement released Saturday, hospital officials asserted that the accusations pose a “serious risk to a protected civilian medical facility” and are “factually incorrect” and “irresponsible.” They acknowledged that isolated unlawful actions by individuals have occurred across Gaza due to the ongoing state of emergency, including attempts to carry weapons, but maintained that a civilian police presence has been arranged to safeguard the facility.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to the reports on Sunday, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that it possesses intelligence indicating Hamas is utilizing Nasser Hospital as a headquarters and military post. This reiterates long-standing allegations that the militant group embeds its operations within civilian infrastructure in Gaza.
MSF’s decision involved suspending support for the departments of pediatrics and maternity, as well as the neonatal intensive care unit and all outpatient consultations, while maintaining critical services such as surgery and inpatient care. The organization described this as a “difficult but necessary” step in response to the deteriorating security situation.
According to MSF, the hospital’s pediatric ward received approximately 100 patients on July 3, 2024, despite a capacity of only 56 beds. The orthopedics department has seen patient numbers double in recent days, leading to patients being treated in hallways and on the floor. Cristina Roldán, MSF’s nursing activities manager, described a dire situation, noting patients receiving intravenous fluids attached to walls with nails and exhausted staff.
The suspension of activities at Nasser Hospital follows the earlier suspension of operations at the European Hospital in Khan Younis following evacuation orders issued by the Israeli army. This leaves Nasser Hospital as the last remaining facility in southern Gaza offering a comprehensive range of medical services, placing it under immense strain.
