MSF: Gaza Transformed into Mass Grave as Residents Face Grim Reality

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has described the Gaza Strip as a mass grave for Palestinians and those attempting to provide assistance, attributing this dire situation to what they refer to as a genocidal offensive by Israel and the obstruction of humanitarian aid delivery.

The Israeli authorities have maintained a closure of Gaza Strip crossings since early March, effectively blocking the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid. This marks the longest period these crossings have been shut since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on Wednesday issued a press statement condemning a series of lethal assaults by Israeli forces, highlighting a stark negligence toward the safety of humanitarian and medical personnel operating in Gaza.

The organization urged the occupying authorities to end the inhumane and dangerous blockade and to ensure the safety of civilians, humanitarian workers, and medical personnel.

The report highlighted the remarks of Amande Bazerolle, the emergency coordinator for MSF in Gaza, who stated, “Gaza has become a mass grave for Palestinians and their supporters. We are observing both the devastation and the forced displacement of Gaza’s entire population.”

The humanitarian response faces significant challenges due to instability and a shortage of supplies, leaving no safe haven for Palestinians or aid workers. Access to healthcare remains severely limited, she stated.

The United Nations reports that at least 409 aid workers have lost their lives since October 2023, with a significant number being employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the primary distributor of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Additionally, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has confirmed the deaths of eleven of its staff members since the conflict began, including two fatalities in the past fortnight while performing their duties.

Claire Magone, the Director-General of Médecins Sans Frontières France, condemned the recent killing of aid workers, describing it as a blatant demonstration of Israeli forces’ disregard for the safety of humanitarian and medical personnel. She further criticized the lack of response and continued support from Israel’s closest allies, suggesting it emboldens such actions.

She emphasized that solely an international and independent inquiry can illuminate the circumstances surrounding these attacks on aid workers and identify the responsible parties.

In a statement, Claire Magone highlighted that over the past three weeks, Médecins Sans Frontières has observed multiple incidents resulting in the deaths of humanitarian and medical personnel. Magone criticized the humanitarian notification system, which coordinates humanitarian actions with Israeli authorities, describing it as an insufficient mechanism that has now become unreliable and provides minimal protection guarantees.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams have been compelled to vacate numerous facilities, while operations persist at other locations where both staff and patients remain confined, unable to safely evacuate for extended periods.

The comprehensive blockade imposed on Gaza has significantly reduced supplies of food, fuel, and medical supplies. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has reported critical shortages, particularly in medications for pain relief, chronic diseases, antibiotics, and crucial surgical materials.

According to reports, the Israeli authorities have intentionally restricted all aid access to Gaza for over a month. Humanitarian personnel are witnessing escalating human suffering and casualties as they grapple with the daunting task of delivering assistance with dwindling resources while enduring similar perilous conditions themselves, one source stated.

Magone highlighted that the situation unfolding in Gaza should not be viewed as a humanitarian failure, but rather as a political decision—a calculated attack on the capacity of a population to endure—executed without consequence.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has urged the occupying authorities to cease their practice of collective punishment against Palestinians and to halt the devastating impact on civilians in the conflict-ravaged region.