Politics

Israel announced on Sunday that it will prevent the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders from working in the Gaza Strip. This decision came after the organization declined to provide a list of its Palestinian employees. The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs stated it is "moving to terminate the activities" of the aid group in Gaza, citing its "failure" to deliver the requested staff lists. These lists have been required from international organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank since new rules were introduced in early January. According to the ministry, Doctors Without Borders must "cease its operations and leave the Gaza Strip" by February 28. Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli reiterated claims that the organization employs individuals "active in terrorist organizations," a claim the group has denied. This action came after Doctors Without Borders stated on Friday that it would not meet the requirement for the staff list. In a post on the social media platform X, the group explained, "This decision comes after many months of unsuccessful engagement with Israeli authorities and in the absence of assurances of the safety of our staff and the independent management of our operations." Doctors Without Borders, which relies significantly on Palestinian staff, has been a vital provider of emergency medical care in Gaza during the ongoing conflict. They operate hospitals, clinics, and mobile medical teams amid frequent Israeli military actions. This disagreement occurs in the context of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following over two years of Israeli bombings and ground operations that have severely damaged the region's infrastructure and health care system. Gaza-based health authorities reported on Saturday that at least 71,769 people have died from Israeli fire, with 171,483 others injured.