Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), or MSF, clinics in Gaza are facing potential closure, threatening to leave a critical gap in healthcare services for a population already devastated by conflict. The closures stem from actions taken by the Israeli government. Aseel Hamada, 24, a patient at an MSF clinic in Gaza City, said that if MSF stops working, people will lose their lives, adding that there are no alternatives.

Hamada, who lost her right leg above the knee and sustained injuries to her arm and face from tank fire on Sept. 9, while preparing to evacuate her apartment with her family, relies on the clinic for physical therapy. She is also awaiting plastic surgery to address her facial wounds. The potential shutdown of MSF facilities raises concerns about access to essential medical care, including post-operative care, rehabilitation, and treatment for trauma injuries.

MSF's presence in Gaza is extensive, providing a range of services, including surgical care, maternal health services, mental health support, and treatment for infectious diseases. The organization operates clinics and supports local hospitals, filling critical gaps in a healthcare system strained by years of conflict and limited resources. According to Hamada, "MSF is everywhere in Gaza because the need simply is everywhere." The closure of these clinics would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including women, children, and individuals with disabilities.

The Israeli government has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the specific reasons for the closures. However, the decision comes amid ongoing tensions and restrictions on the movement of humanitarian personnel and medical supplies into Gaza. These restrictions have long hampered the ability of aid organizations to deliver essential services and have been condemned by human rights groups and international organizations.

The potential closure of MSF clinics could have dire consequences for the health and well-being of the Gazan population. With limited access to alternative healthcare providers, many patients may be left without the medical care they desperately need. The long-term impact of these closures could include increased morbidity and mortality rates, as well as a further deterioration of the already fragile healthcare system in Gaza.