Gaza: MSF accuses Israel of depriving the population of water, food and healthcare

In Gaza, the population continues to pay the price for the methodical destruction of essential infrastructure. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), almost 90% of water and sanitation facilities have been destroyed or damaged by Israel. Desalination plants, sewage networks, pipelines and several boreholes have been taken out of service, depriving tens of thousands of Palestinians of access to drinking water. This situation has direct consequences on the living conditions of displaced residents. Due to a lack of latrines, many Palestinians are forced to dig holes in the sand near their tents. The absence of basic hygiene products, diapers or periodic protection particularly affects women, children and people with disabilities.

In overcrowded camps, preventable diseases multiply. Respiratory infections, skin diseases and acute diarrhea are now among the main reasons for consultation in the healthcare structures supported by MSF. Hunger also sets in over time. During the first quarter of 2026, 383 children were admitted to the organization’s nutritional centers, 35% of whom suffered from severe acute malnutrition. Among the 5,996 pregnant women monitored in Nasser and Al Helou hospitals, almost a quarter showed signs of malnutrition.

While unemployment reaches 80% according to the UN, the prices of basic food products have doubled. Protein and fresh produce remain out of reach for the majority of families. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), one in five households only has one meal a day and is largely dependent on food distributions. MSF also denounces the persistent obstacles to the entry of humanitarian aid. The gradual depletion of drug stocks threatens the care of chronically ill patients, while the ban on refrigerated trucks compromises the delivery of products requiring a cold chain, such as insulin or certain vaccines.

Fuel and engine oil reserves are also reaching their limits. Without these resources, hospital generators, water networks and means of transport risk stopping, with immediate consequences for the most fragile patients. Despite Israel’s withdrawal of its authorization to operate in the occupied Palestinian territories since January 1, 2026, MSF claims to continue its medical activities in the Gaza Strip as long as conditions permit.