Gaza, MINA – Israel on Sunday banned the activities of the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in the Gaza Strip and ordered the organization to leave the enclave by Feb. 28.
Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, which oversees dealings with humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank, said the decision was taken after the charity refused to submit its staff lists to Israeli authorities.
A ministry statement cited by the Maariv newspaper said MSF refused “to submit lists of local employees, a requirement applicable to all humanitarian organizations operating in the region.” The ministry claimed the measure aims at “enabling legitimate relief activities while preventing the exploitation of humanitarian cover for hostile or terrorist purposes,” adding that the lists are used solely for internal purposes and not shared externally.
On Friday, MSF stated it would not share its staff lists due to Israel’s refusal to provide assurances for the safety of its staff or the independent management of its operations.
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MSF is one of the largest humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza, and halting its activities is expected to severely impact the already scarce medical services in the enclave.
Israel’s two-year war on Gaza has killed nearly 71,800 Palestinians and wounded more than 171,400. The assault has destroyed roughly 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, with UN estimates placing reconstruction costs at about $70 billion.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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