The international medical organization Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF) has suspended non-critical medical activities at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, following reports of armed men within the facility and concerns over potential weapons transfers. The move, announced February 14, 2026, marks a significant escalation of concerns regarding the safety and neutrality of healthcare facilities in the ongoing conflict and represents what MSF states is the first public report by an international humanitarian group of such issues within a Gaza hospital.
The suspension of “non-critical” services – leaving some essential inpatient and surgical care continuing – comes after MSF staff and patients reported seeing armed individuals, some masked, in areas of the hospital compound in recent months. These reports, coupled with suspicions of weapons movement, prompted the organization to halt non-essential operations on January 20, citing concerns about the “management of the structure, the safeguarding of its neutrality, and security breaches.” The situation underscores the increasingly complex and dangerous environment for humanitarian aid workers attempting to provide medical care in Gaza.
Concerns Over Hospital Neutrality
MSF’s decision highlights the critical importance of maintaining the neutrality of hospitals during armed conflict. Under international humanitarian law, hospitals are protected sites and must not be used for military purposes. Both attacking hospitals and utilizing them for military activities are generally considered breaches of international law. However, as noted by rights groups, establishing a breach requires sufficient evidence, something that has been a point of contention in the current conflict.
The organization emphasized that hospitals “must remain neutral, civilian spaces, free from military presence or activity, to ensure the safe and impartial delivery of medical care.” The presence of armed men, even in areas where MSF does not directly operate, creates a security risk for patients and personnel, compromising the ability to provide effective medical assistance.
Hamas and Israeli Responses
The Hamas-run Interior Ministry released a statement affirming its commitment to preventing armed presence within hospitals and pledged to take legal action against violators. The ministry suggested that armed individuals from certain Gazan families may have recently entered hospital grounds, but did not provide specific details or identify those involved.
The Israeli military has previously stated that it has targeted hospitals during the conflict since Hamas fighters were operating inside them, alleging that parts of Hamas’ tunnel network run beneath medical facilities. Hamas denies these accusations. The situation is further complicated by reports that some Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack were held at Nasser Hospital, the largest in southern Gaza.
Broader Challenges for Humanitarian Aid
MSF’s suspension of activities at Nasser Hospital is not an isolated incident. Last month, Israel ordered MSF and 30 other international organizations to halt their work in Gaza and the West Bank if they did not comply with new regulations, including sharing detailed information about their staff. MSF refused to submit a staff list on January 30, citing a lack of assurances regarding the safety of its personnel.
This refusal underscores the growing challenges faced by humanitarian organizations operating in the region. The organization’s concerns stem from a pattern of “unacceptable acts” reported since the ceasefire agreement in October, including the presence of armed men, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests of patients, in addition to the suspected movement of weapons. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in the territory since the ceasefire began, while Palestinian militants have killed four Israeli soldiers in the same period.
MSF’s Continued Presence and Future Steps
Despite the suspension of non-critical services, MSF continues to provide some critical care at Nasser Hospital, including inpatient and surgical treatment for patients requiring life-saving interventions. The organization has communicated its concerns to relevant authorities, though it has not publicly specified to whom these reports were submitted.
MSF, founded in 1971, provides humanitarian medical care in conflict zones and countries affected by endemic diseases, operating in 70 countries with over 35,000 personnel. The organization relies heavily on private donations, receiving approximately 98% of its funding from this source, with an annual income of around €2.36 billion (approximately $2.54 billion USD as of February 14, 2026).
The situation at Nasser Hospital remains fluid. MSF is closely monitoring the security situation and will reassess its activities as conditions evolve. The next update from MSF regarding its operations in Gaza is expected in the coming weeks, following further engagement with relevant authorities and an evaluation of the security environment.
This is a developing story. If you or someone you know needs support, resources are available. The World Health Organization provides information on health emergencies here.
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