MSF denounces Israel’s strikes on Nasser Hospital

Nasser Hospital is the last remaining partially functional hospital in southern Gaza. MSF has been operational in Nasser since before conflict escalated in October 2023, providing trauma and burn care, physiotherapy, neonatal and pediatric services, and treatment for malnourished children, among other critical services.

Jerome Grimaud, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza, said following the attack:

We denounce in the strongest possible terms Israel’s horrendous attacks on the Nasser medical complex today—the only partially functioning public hospital in the south of Gaza. Israeli forces killed at least 20 people and injured 50 more in consecutive strikes, including health care workers, rescue workers, and journalists.

Among them was Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance photographer who frequently worked with MSF. We are heartbroken by her death. Mariam leaves behind a son who must now grow up without his mother. At least four other journalists were also killed today.

Some MSF staff members were forced to shelter in the laboratory as Israel repeatedly struck the building amidst rescue efforts. We are outraged as Israeli forces continue to attack health care workers and journalists with impunity.

For the past 22 months, we have watched as health care facilities have been leveled, journalists have been silenced, and health care workers have been buried beneath the rubble by Israeli forces. As Israel continues to shun international law, the only witnesses of their genocidal campaign are deliberately being targeted. It must stop now.