‘It’s like Israel is shooting directly at us’: Doctors Without Borders members trapped in Gaza

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported yesterday that 12 of its team members, along with their families, are trapped in their homes due to intense Israeli shelling of the densely populated Al-Mawasi area of southern Gaza.

In a post on its official X account, the organisation said: “More than 30 others are stranded at the Doctors Without Borders office.”

A staff member from the organisation, who is currently trapped in Al-Mawasi, said: “Tanks were invading the area where we live. It was terrifying. We were lying on the ground in our homes for hours and it seemed like the gunfire was coming directly towards us.”

Attack in Al-Mawasi: This morning, some of our colleagues were surrounded by bombing and heavy shooting for hours.

We’re deeply concerned for the safety of our colleagues and patients across the Gaza Strip. We need an immediate and sustained #CeasefireNow. pic.twitter.com/b0VSDHlVpl

— Doctors w/o Borders (@MSF_USA) December 17, 2024

MSF added that injured people had been arriving at its emergency room in Al-Mawasi, but the team was forced to close the facility due to the unsafe conditions, leaving many without access to life-saving medical care.

The organisation expressed concern for the safety of its staff and patients in Gaza. It called on all parties involved in the conflict to protect civilians and humanitarian workers and urged for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the Strip.

READ: Israel expands urbicide as a tool of genocide in Gaza