We extend our deepest condolences and compassion to his loved ones and to our team, who have already been enduring terrible hardships for several weeks.
Médecins du Monde has condemned, since the beginning of this conflict, the relentless and indiscriminate bombings by the Israeli army, which continue to kill numerous civilians, our humanitarian colleagues, and healthcare workers. On this tragic occasion, we reiterate that a ceasefire is a vital emergency to put an end to this massacre.
Maysara Rayyes was 28 years old and lived in the city of Gaza, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
After studying medicine in London, he had chosen to return and practice in Gaza. A few days ago, Maysara wrote to a friend:
«When I experience a joyful moment with my family, I imagine that perhaps the families who were bombed were also sharing a moment of happiness before being killed… I picture myself under the rubble and I am terrified at the thought of being alive beneath the ruins of my home».
With elderly and mobility-impaired parents and in-laws, he was unable to move south as ordered by the Israeli army. He nevertheless tried to settle near hospitals for protection, but no area was spared.
After the bombing of his home, Maysara Rayyes, his family, and other Gazans remained trapped under the rubble for over 48 hours. The arrival of bulldozers was delayed due to a lack of fuel, which is nonetheless essential for hospitals, ambulances, and search operations. The rescue mission later had to be suspended because of the bombings in the area. The current, evolving provisional death toll stands at 14 victims.
Médecins du Monde is outraged by the notion of considering those who remained in the northern Gaza Strip as collateral damage: these individuals are victims of the Israeli political choice not to prioritize and secure the lives of civilians, healthcare personnel, and humanitarian teams. Maysara Rayyes and his family paid for this with their lives today.
TODAY WE HAVE LOST ONE OF OUR OWN ALONG WITH MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY. OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH MAYSARA’S LOVED ONES AND OUR TEAMS ON THE GROUND. THIS TRAGEDY COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF A CEASEFIRE HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED, AS WE HAVE BEEN DEMANDING FOR SEVERAL WEEKS NOW.
Dr. Florence Rigal, President of Médecins du Monde France
For several days now, Médecins du Monde has struggled to maintain contact with its teams in Gaza as internet lines are regularly cut: «We remain deeply concerned for our teams on the ground. This situation has repercussions on the population, who cannot contact emergency services to carry out rescue operations. Without communication, they also cannot know which areas are being bombed or get in touch with their families. These conditions are intolerable and unrealistic. It is nearly impossible for humanitarian workers and healthcare personnel to fulfill their mission: to assist the population and save lives.» Héléna Ranchal, Director of International Operations at Médecins du Monde France.
For all interview requests, please contact:
Mélissa Cabana,
Director of Communications and Mobilization
Cell: 514-799-8985
Email: melissa.cabana@medecinsdumonde.ca