MSF Suspends Activities in Gaza City Amid Escalating Israeli Offensive
**Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)** has been forced to suspend its medical activities in **Gaza City** due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation and the intensification of the **Israeli offensive**. The organization cites continuous airstrikes and the approach of tanks near its facilities as creating an unacceptable risk for its staff.
Deteriorating Conditions Force Suspension
According to **MSF**, the escalating attacks by **Israeli forces** have created an environment where providing lifesaving medical care is no longer possible. **Jacob Granger**, emergency coordinator for **MSF** in **Gaza**, stated, "We have no other choice but to stop our activities, as our clinics are surrounded by **Israeli troops**." He emphasized the immense needs in **Gaza City**, particularly for vulnerable individuals like newborns and those with severe injuries.
Despite the suspension in **Gaza City**, **MSF** aims to continue supporting facilities run by the **Ministry of Health**, including **Al Helou** and **Al Shifa** hospitals, as long as they remain operational. However, access to essential resources like safe drinking water, food, and shelter is becoming increasingly restricted.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
**MSF** describes the situation in **Gaza City** as dire, with the population facing relentless bombardment and deprivation of essential necessities. The organization urgently calls for an immediate cessation of violence and concrete measures to protect civilians. Hundreds of thousands of people remain in **Gaza City**, unable to evacuate, while hospitals are overwhelmed and suffering from severe shortages.
Even amid the escalating attacks, **MSF's** clinics in **Gaza City** conducted over 3,640 consultations and treated 1,655 patients for malnutrition in a single week. They also provided care for trauma injuries, burns, and pregnant women needing continuous medical attention.
Demands for Humanitarian Access and Support
**MSF** urges **Israeli authorities** to guarantee immediate and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations operating in **Gaza City**, ensuring safe conditions for the delivery of medical care and humanitarian assistance. The organization continues to provide critical care in southern **Gaza**, supporting the **Nasser Hospital** in **Khan Younis** and running primary healthcare centers. They also support emergency and wound care at the **Al-Aqsa Hospital** in the central region and operate field hospitals in **Deir Al-Balah**.
International Response and Condemnation
The situation in **Gaza** has drawn widespread international concern. The **United Nations** reports that an average of one child has been killed every hour in **Gaza** over the past two years. A recent meeting at the **UN** headquarters in **New York** aimed to address the "horror" facing children in the region. Countries like **Belgium**, **Jordan**, and the **European Union** are advocating for action and increased humanitarian aid. A coalition of twelve countries, including **France**, the **United Kingdom**, and **Saudi Arabia**, are forming to provide financial support to the **Palestinian Authority**.
Netanyahu's Address and Allegations
Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** addressed the situation, calling the **Hamas** attack of October 7 the worst attack on Jews since World War II. He denied allegations of genocide in **Gaza**, asserting that **Israel** is taking measures to avoid civilian casualties and provide humanitarian aid. He also compared accusations of genocide to the Nazi regime’s persecution of Jewish people, adding further tension to an already volatile situation.
