MSF mourns the killing of our colleague in Gaza

Today, Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is mourning the loss of our team member Mohammed Al Ahel, who was killed along with several members of his family on 6 November. 

Mohammed was a laboratory technician with MSF for more than two years. His work contributed to the successful diagnosis and treatment of patients in need of medical care - a vital aspect of our work in Gaza. He was at his home in Al Shati refugee camp when the area was bombed and his building collapsed, reportedly killing dozens of people.   

It is clear that no place in Gaza is safe from brutal and indiscriminate bombing. More than 10,000 Palestinians, including over 4,000 children, have been killed in Gaza as of 7 November, according to the Ministry of Health.   

Our repeated calls for an immediate ceasefire have not been heard. A ceasefire is the only way to prevent more senseless deaths across Gaza and allow adequate humanitarian aid into the Strip.   

All over Gaza, helpless people are losing their family members, homes, and their own lives, while world leaders fail to take meaningful action. 

In this tragic moment, we continue to be gravely concerned for all of our colleagues in Gaza, many of whom are still working in hospitals across the Strip providing life-saving care.

We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent more deaths and allow the entry of desperately needed humanitarian supplies. The international community must take stronger action to stop the bloodshed in Gaza. 

In addition to an immediate ceasefire, MSF is calling for the lifting of the siege to allow more and continuous humanitarian supplies to cross into Gaza, including essential items such as fuel, while ensuring safe passage to reach people with the greatest needs.

Civilians, health care providers, and health facilities must be protected at all times, and basic safety guarantees are necessary for the provision of humanitarian and medical services.