Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Israel Orders Doctors Without Borders to Leave Gaza by Feb. 28 Over Staff-Data Dispute

The order enforces new NGO rules requiring disclosure of staff identities that aid groups say would endanger their colleagues.

Overview

  • Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said MSF must cease operations and depart Gaza by February 28 after the charity declined to submit employee lists required for registration.
  • Officials alleged links between two MSF workers and Hamas and Islamic Jihad, claims the organisation rejects, while Israel says any staff data would be used only internally.
  • MSF said it initially agreed to share a defined list as an exceptional measure but withheld it after failing to obtain concrete assurances on data use and staff safety.
  • MSF describes itself as a key medical provider in Gaza, citing roughly 20% of hospital beds, about 20 health centres, more than 800,000 consultations and over 10,000 deliveries in 2025, and it warns service losses would be severe.
  • At least eight international NGOs, including Oxfam, ActionAid, Médecins du Monde and Medical Aid for Palestinians, say they will refuse Israel’s data demands, as a broader December policy targets 37 groups for possible expulsion from March 1.