According to information provided by Doctors of the World (MdM) teams on the ground, the NGO’s offices, located in the Al Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza, were intentionally destroyed a few days ago. MdM received no warning about this attack, even though the offices were clearly identified as those of a humanitarian actor, and the building’s address had been shared with the Israeli body responsible for coordinating with NGOs to ensure it would not be targeted.
In recent weeks, a MdM member and their family had taken refuge inside the premises. They had barricaded themselves with office furniture and dared not go outside for fear of being targeted by gunfire, as many civilians were killed at the foot of the building, which was surrounded by explosions. On February 3, soldiers entered MdM’s offices. They forced out elderly people, women, and children. All the men present were removed in an extremely degrading and humiliating manner, with soldiers forcing them to leave naked.
MdM then received no further news about its offices until shocking images were received clearly showing that the building housing the NGO’s offices had been deliberately destroyed.
“We are once again outraged by what appears to be a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. The destruction of our offices is further proof that absolutely no place is safe in Gaza. NGO buildings are being demolished, while humanitarian aid is insufficient and civilians continue to die every day. Destroying NGO infrastructure is also a way to limit, or even prevent, humanitarian aid from being organized,” condemns Helena Ranchal, Director of International Operations at Doctors of the World France.
Since the start of the war, an emergency doctor from MdM and several members of his family were killed during the bombing of his building in Gaza City on November 5.
Doctors of the World reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire, the only solution to halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and protect civilians, health personnel, and health facilities.
Press contact:
Mélissa Cabana
Director of Communications and Mobilization, Doctors of the World Canada
Mobile: 514 799-8985
General number for MdM Canada: 514-281-8998