BRUSSELS

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned on Thursday that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians could lose access to essential medical care if international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are suspended from operating in Gaza and the West Bank under Israel's new restrictions.

The aid group said it is still awaiting renewal of its registration under new Israeli requirements, including the submission of staff lists.

"People need more services, not less," MSF said on US social media platform X, highlighting the critical situation in the region.

"If MSF and other INGOs lose access, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians would be cut off from essential care," it added.

MSF underscored its vital role in Gaza's health sector, supporting one in five hospital beds and facilitating one in three births. In 2025 alone, the organization provided nearly 800,000 outpatient consultations, treated over 100,000 trauma cases, performed 22,700 surgeries, assisted more than 10,000 births, and distributed nearly 700 million liters of water.

Despite a ceasefire agreement taking effect in October, Israel continues to keep Gaza's crossings largely closed, preventing the entry of mobile homes and reconstruction materials.

Palestinian officials say at least 414 people in Gaza have been killed since the ceasefire.