Doctors of the World condemns destruction of its health center in Gaza City in airstrike

Munich/Berlin (ots) - Doctors of the World strongly condemns the destruction of one of its health centers in Gaza City in an airstrike by Israeli forces on September 8, 2025. Although the teams received neither a warning nor a call to evacuate, fortunately all staff and patients remained unharmed. However, the health center was so badly damaged that no one can receive care there anymore. The attack targeted a building just a few meters away. The Israeli army had announced a ground offensive in Gaza City for several weeks. The bombings had recently intensified, and concerns for the safety of patients and staff grew. Doctors of the World ultimately decided to leave the health center. "We repeatedly warned the Israeli authorities of the urgent need to ensure safe evacuation routes, but we never received a response," said Helena Ranchal, Director of International Programs at Doctors of the World France. "The fact that no one lost their lives in this health center today is only thanks to the calmness and rapid response of our staff. But they are still deeply shocked and have nowhere to go." Due to the security situation, Doctors of the World is forced to close its two health centers in Gaza City and suspend its activities indefinitely. As a result, approximately 600 patients who were treated daily by our teams are now without medical care. "This is another blatant violation of international humanitarian law. Despite nearly two years of calling for the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, and medical personnel, the situation continues to deteriorate," said Dr. Jean-François Corty, President of Doctors of the World France. "In Gaza City, one million people now urgently need safe shelter in an ever-shrinking space. We are deeply concerned for the population and our colleagues. If nothing changes, Doctors of the World will be forced to completely suspend its activities in Gaza." Doctors of the World urges the Israeli government to immediately cease attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers and to end all obstructions to aid deliveries in the Palestinian Territories. The international community must exert pressure to ensure that a ceasefire is agreed upon immediately. Press contact: Stephanie Kirchner, Press Officer, Doctors of the World eVm +49 (0) 159 0406 2104, [email protected]. Original content from: Doctors of the World eV, transmitted by news aktuell. Original report: https://www.presseportal.de/pm/36565/6114505