A Japanese member of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has voiced a sense of crisis over the group's need to halt humanitarian aid in Gaza due to Israel's ban on international NGOs operating there. MSF had been supporting medical facilities that cover one-fifth of the territory's hospital beds, but this will leave medical needs unmet.
Takayuki Matsuda, a 40-year-old Japanese member of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), expressed deep concern about the medical crisis in Gaza during an interview in Cairo. He had been involved in procuring goods and maintaining equipment in the Palestinian territory from December until February 12.
"We'll no longer be able to cover medical needs," Matsuda said. MSF supports medical institutions in Gaza, accounting for one-fifth of the total hospital beds in the area. However, due to Israel's ban on international nongovernmental organizations operating there, the group has had to cease its humanitarian aid efforts.
The context includes ongoing armed attacks by the Israeli military even after a ceasefire agreement with Hamas was reached last October. Israel claims that the militant group violated the agreement. This development raises further concerns for Gaza's healthcare system.
