A group linked to Doctors Without Borders faced an attack near Şifa hospital, resulting in one death and injuries to a worker. The incident was reported by multiple organizations monitoring the situation. The report describes a convoy of 137 people, including Doctors Without Borders staff and their relatives, moving south through the Gaza Strip toward an evacuation zone. When they reached a checkpoint beside the Besor River, gunfire opened, prompting the group to retreat.
The affiliation notes that the group was targeted on its return near Doctors Without Borders’ office. Two of the organization’s vehicles were deliberately attacked, according to the account. As a consequence, one staff member sustained injuries and another was killed.
Prior to the attack, experts from the World Health Organization conducted an assessment at Al-Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip and determined that the facility could no longer operate effectively. The assessment underscored severe damage and logistical constraints that hindered essential hospital functions, complicating the delivery of care to patients in need.
Despite ongoing humanitarian efforts, the situation has intensified concerns about safety and access for aid workers and patients. The events occurred within a broader context in which aid agencies and health facilities face serious operational challenges, including security threats and restrictions on movements that impede the delivery of medical services.
In related remarks, the Israel Defense Forces stated that Hamas has an organized presence within hospitals in Gaza, a claim that has fueled tension over the safety and neutrality of medical facilities in conflict zones. The juxtaposition of humanitarian actors and military considerations continues to complicate the ability to provide care and protect staff and patients alike. Citations accompany these claims to reflect updates from monitoring organizations and official briefings.
Ultimately, the sequence of attacks underscores the vulnerability of humanitarian teams operating in war zones and reinforces calls from international bodies for increased protection of medical personnel and facilities. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments by health and aid organizations to determine the feasibility of continuing aid operations and the safety measures required to safeguard staff, patients, and evacuation corridors.