MSF chief warns of Israeli push to confine medics in Gaza to field hospitals

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) secretary general Christopher Lockyear has voiced concern over what he described as an Israeli attempt to push Gaza medical teams into field hospitals instead of established buildings.
The aim, he said, appears to be greater control over who receives treatment, echoing a disastrous aid distribution strategy via an Israeli-US channel that has led to the deaths of dozens of hungry residents.
In an exclusive interview with The National in Abu Dhabi, Mr Lockyear appealed for all nations to use economic, political and diplomatic pressure to stop the "pattern of genocide and ethnic cleansing' in Gaza after the destruction of its health system.
You go to these distributions because you're desperate, you may return with a bag of flour, you may return with a shroud
Christopher Lockyear,
Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
'We are fearful that we could become part of that broader strategy by moving out of these bigger established hospitals into field hospitals,' he told The National in an exclusive interview in Abu Dhabi.
'It gives the impression that the situation is manageable because you can run a hospital. But that is a much, much lower capacity than previously. And we don't want to be part of destroying the infrastructure of the society of Gaza".
Israel's war in Gaza has entered its 20th month, with no signs of slowing down. More than 55,600 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, despite attempts to reach a ceasefire with Hamas.
Israeli officials have made it clear the war will not stop until Hamas is eliminated and the hostages abducted on October 7 are returned, even as hunger threatens two million Gazans.
The health sector has borne one of the heaviest costs. Israel's army has systematically attacked hospitals and clinics, accusing Hamas of using them as military launchpads and intelligence centres, often with little or no evidence.
'We no longer talk of a health system in Gaza,' said Mr Lockyear. "The health system has been systematically targeted, destroyed. The only remaining partially functional referral hospital, the Gaza hospital itself, we're supporting them.
'We had to move the surgical support out of that hospital just a few days ago. We're working in a series of field hospitals but it's impossible to provide what is needed. There's a major effort there but it's nowhere near what is needed.'
Abuse of humanitarian action
Similar to food, medical equipment has been largely restricted. 'We've managed to bring in a trickle of medical supplies over the last few weeks' said the secretary general. "But the supplies are dwindling. And as a consequence of that, we have to reduce, for example, how often we're changing people's dressings, which increases the rate of infection."
What our teams are witnessing on a daily basis is patterns of genocide and ethnic cleansing
Christopher Lockyear
He sharply criticised the aid system now being overseen by Israel, one that has led to the killing of dozens of Palestinians attempting to receive the basics to survive in what he called humiliating circumstances.
'What we're seeing in terms of aid delivery at the moment in Gaza, through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, I would say is not humanitarian. This is an approach to aid that we completely reject. Why do we reject it? Well, it's a militarised, politicised form of giving assistance,' he said.
'The way that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is carrying out the work in Gaza is following a repeated and systematic abuse of the terms 'humanitarian' and 'humanitarian action'. One member of our staff said the other day, 'you go to these distributions because you're desperate, you may return with a bag of flour, you may return with a shroud.''
MSF is currently operating in Gaza with a force of about 300, most of them local. But it has lost 11 staff members in the fighting and others face complex situations and endless obstacles to carrying out their work.
Mr Lockyear stressed that humanitarian aid, especially from a medical perspective, is about much more than supplies. 'It's about having facilities where there is electricity, running water and fuel,' he explained, all of which barely exist now.
'I would say it's also about having staff who are fed, who have slept, who are able to carry out operations and procedures on people. And we have staff who are themselves in the hospital because of spreading disease, because of hunger, because of starvation," the MSF chief said.
'What our teams are witnessing on a daily basis is patterns of genocide and ethnic cleansing, the destruction of the health system and the destruction of infrastructure as a whole. So this needs to stop. We're appealing to all states to use their economic, political and diplomatic pressure to stop this carnage.'
War on people
With the Israeli war on Iran escalating, there are fears the war in Gaza could be pushed off the radar, even as hundreds remain under fire. More than 250 people have been killed by the Israeli army since Friday, when Israel launched a serious assault on Iran.
Another place at risk of being forgotten is Sudan, where hundreds of thousands have died in the civil conflict.
'It's really hard to get coverage on Sudan at any time, but one of the consequences of what's happening in and around Iran and Israel over the last few days is that they could make it even harder to get eyes on what's happening in Sudan,' Mr Lockyear warned.
'It's been a war on people. The level of violence by both sides of this conflict – or all sides – has been absolutely horrendous. The way this war is being conducted is utterly horrific.
"The health system in Sudan is – I wouldn't say on its knees – it's in a desperate situation and there needs to be humanitarian actors there to support that response.'
From Gaza to Sudan and Syria, recent Middle East conflicts have heavily impacted the operations of leading humanitarian and charity organisations.
'Increasing conflict around the world makes decisions even more complicated, because we have to focus and prioritise even harder," he said.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Khaleej Times

3 hours ago

• Khaleej Times

UAE: Camel milk rises as superfood with low lactose, vitamin-rich composition

Camel milk, once confined to traditional Emirati households and niche markets, is now being reinterpreted as a modern superfood that is rich in nutrients. In addition to being a vitamin-rich food with naturally low lactose levels, it is also high in vitamin C, iron, and proteins that support the immune system. Some reports have also suggested that consuming this nutrient may lead to improvements in autism symptoms. Due to its unique composition and immune-modulating properties, camel milk has emerged as a promising complementary ingredient in the treatment of autism. "Camel milk is a safe option for many children with autism, providing a valuable complementary approach within an integrative treatment framework," Dr Yasir Shafi, homeopathy practitioner at Wellth, told Khaleej Times. Camel milk is rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and the antioxidant vitamin C. It supports gut health, reduces oxidative stress, and may enhance behavioral and cognitive outcomes. Studies, including those published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, have noted improvements in social interaction, motor planning, and behavior in individuals who consume camel milk under medical supervision. Its A2-like protein composition and low allergen content make it a safe option for people with autism. Milana Boskovic, director of marketing and R&D at Al Ain Farms Group, noted, "Research is currently being conducted on its potential benefits for individuals with autism. It is widely regarded as a clean, natural alternative with minimal processing." A heritage of nutrition Camel milk has been a vital part of Bedouin diets for centuries. Beyond staple food, camels were the primary source of life preservation, as the Bedouins used camels not only to provide milk and meat but also as the main way of transportation and shelter from harsh cold temperatures during winter nights. Camels hold cultural, nutritional, and economic significance in Emirati heritage, and they are protected under UAE law and regulations. The UAE preserves its welfare and movement, safeguarding its historical and cultural significance. These measures include rules for grazing, importing and exporting camels, and guidelines for camel racing. Global milk market "According to a recent market report by SkyQuest Technology, the global camel milk market was valued up to $15.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow further," said Boskovic. Export opportunities are growing, particularly in regions such as Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, where demand for lactose-free and functional foods is increasing. With long-life milk and powder formats, the UAE is well-positioned to tap into this potential. She explained camel milk is increasingly recognized for its superior nutritional profile. It is hypoallergenic and rich in high-value proteins, as well as calcium. It is easily digestible, even for individuals with lactose intolerance, and can be used by the general population as well as those with specific dietary needs. Camel milk is becoming more attractive to health-conscious consumers looking for natural, functional alternatives to traditional dairy — whether for wellness, digestion, or a native booster for the immune system. The milk contains bioactive compounds like lactoferrin, lysozymes, and immunoglobulins that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These components help strengthen the immune response, protect against harmful pathogens, and may support gut health — a crucial aspect of overall immunity. Some of the most recognized benefits include: • Easier digestion due to lower lactose content • Support for diabetes management thanks to its insulin-like proteins • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects It is creamy in texture and contains healthy fats, making it easy for the gut to tolerate. Boskovic noted that raw camel milk is unprocessed, and it may contain risks for people if taken on the spot fresh from the animal — we would certainly never recommend that. 'As with all milk, camel milk should be cooked to avoid ingesting any bacteria that may come from the process of outside collection from the camel.' 'Pasteurized camel milk is heat-treated at a temperature of up to 90°C to eliminate bacteria, then cooled for bottling and consumption, with a shelf life of up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator,' she added. Consumption has remained stable, evolving from a traditional staple to a modern wellness product. The UAE has seen several initiatives — from government-backed food security strategies to private-sector innovation. Al Ain Farms Group is the first global company to successfully develop the natural option of long-life milk without any chemicals added. They plan to commercialize the launch further, capturing increasing consumer demand for the product both domestically and internationally. Key challenges in producing milk include high production costs and low consumer awareness of the functional and healthy benefits naturally contained in camel milk. Some regions are more developed in accepting camel milk and understanding its benefits, but global awareness still needs to be developed.

The National

6 hours ago

• The National

Babies face imminent death in Gaza as formula milk runs out, doctors warn

In the neonatal wards of Gaza's battered hospitals, doctors and parents are sounding the alarm. With baby formula completely depleted and border crossings sealed since March, the lives of dozens of premature and infant children hang in the balance. 'In less than 36 hours, we may begin losing newborns,' warned Dr Ahmad Al Farra, director of the children and maternity building at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis. 'There are no supplies of specialised formula, despite our repeated urgent requests. The lives of dozens of infants and premature babies are in extreme danger if this crisis is not addressed immediately,' he told The National. Inside neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where fragile babies are connected to life-saving machines, the situation grows more desperate by the hour. 'We may lose some of them at any moment,' Dr Al Farra added. 'The international community must take responsibility for what Gaza's infants are suffering.' In an exclusive interview with The National this week, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) secretary general Christopher Lockyear appealed for all nations to use economic, political and diplomatic pressure to stop the 'pattern of genocide and ethnic cleansing' in Gaza after the destruction of its health system. Israel's army has attacked hospitals and clinics, accusing Hamas of using them as military launchpads and intelligence centres, often with little or no evidence. 'We no longer talk of a health system in Gaza,' said Mr Lockyear. 'The health system has been systematically targeted, destroyed." Dr Jamil Ali, director of Al Rantisi Hospital in Gaza city – now the strip's main paediatric facility – says the shelves are completely bare. 'We currently do not have a single can of baby formula in the hospital,' Dr Ali told The National. 'Every day, more children arrive suffering from malnutrition, digestive disorders and illnesses directly linked to the lack of food and medicine.' He emphasised that this is no longer just a crisis – it is a 'humanitarian collapse'. His hospital, he said, has made multiple urgent appeals to international organisations in recent weeks. 'We have made it clear: Gaza's children are now facing a real health disaster. We urgently call on the world to act – immediately.' 'Silent massacre' Rehab Al Astal, 28, is a mother from Khan Younis. For her, the crisis is deeply personal. Her six-month-old son, Yamen, depends entirely on formula. 'I've searched everywhere – there's nothing. It hasn't come through the crossings for over four months,' she said. 'We're living through famine. I can't feed my son. I've taken him to the hospital twice. Doctors say he's on the verge of malnutrition.' Even basic substitutes like baby oatmeal have vanished from store shelves. Breastfeeding, often suggested in emergencies, is not an option for many. 'I don't even have enough food to eat myself. I can't produce the milk he needs,' Ms Al Astal said. 'These are not luxuries. These are rights. These are babies –newborns – who have no part in this war. Their nutrition is the world's responsibility.' I dreamt of celebrating him. Instead, I'm watching him hungry Loay Abu Sultan, Gazan father Loay Abu Sultan, 27, from Sheikh Radwan in central Gaza, is witnessing his firstborn son suffer through his first months of life without basic nourishment. 'My son Mohammed is eight months old. He was born during the war. I dreamt of celebrating him. Instead, I'm watching him hungry,' he said. 'We adults can survive. But a baby can't. How do you explain to a baby that there's no milk? How do you silence his cries?' His wife, already weakened by months of poor nutrition, is unable to breastfeed. 'We're scared of what might happen tomorrow, of what we can't control,' he said. With the borders closed by the Israeli army for nearly three months, and critical aid struggling to enter and reach families, parents walk from pharmacies to clinics to hospitals searching for even a single can of formula, often in vain. What was once routine – feeding a child – has become a life-and-death struggle. 'This is a silent massacre,' said Dr Al Farra. 'Not from bombs, but from neglect, from blockade, from inaction.'

Dubai Eye

16 hours ago

• Dubai Eye

Death toll rises in Gaza as aid-seeking crowds come under fire

Dozens of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the past two days while trying to access food aid in Gaza, amid a worsening hunger crisis, according to local medics. On Thursday, medics reported at least 51 people killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes. Among them were 12 Palestinians who tried to approach a site operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the central part of the Strip. The incident is the latest in a string of deadly encounters involving civilians seeking food. The Israeli military said several individuals it described as "suspects" approached its forces near the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza in a way that endangered troops. It said soldiers fired warning shots to deter them and that it was not aware of any injuries at the time. Elsewhere in Gaza on Thursday, medics reported 39 people killed in separate Israeli airstrikes in the north of the territory. One strike on the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City killed at least 19 people, including women and children. Another strike killed at least 14 people in Jabalia and damaged several homes. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on those attacks. Gaza's health ministry said hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while trying to reach GHF distribution sites since late May. The United Nations has criticized the GHF's delivery system, calling it inadequate, dangerous and a violation of humanitarian impartiality. Israel defends the system as a necessary safeguard against diversion of aid by Hamas, a claim Hamas denies. GHF said Wednesday it had distributed 3 million meals across three sites in Gaza without incident. The war in Gaza began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Israel's ongoing military campaign has since killed nearly 55,600 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, displaced nearly the entire population of over 2 million, and left much of the territory in humanitarian collapse.