MSF condemns Israel’s decision to close probes into attacks that killed 4 staff

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has strongly criticized Israel's decision to dismiss two investigations into attacks that resulted in the deaths of four of its staff members. The closure of the cases, which were referred by MSF for review, has sparked outrage, as it effectively nullifies any chance of accountability.

Since October 2023, 15 members of MSF staff have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, alongside approximately 1,700 healthcare workers. The two incidents in question involve a convoy attack in Gaza City in November 2023, which claimed two lives, and an airstrike on an MSF shelter in Khan Younis in February 2024, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries.

MSF expressed dissatisfaction with the Israeli authorities' refusal to open criminal investigations, despite receiving formal requests and even petitioning the Israeli Supreme Court. The organization argued that the Israeli military prosecutor's inaction is a sign of their unwillingness to address potential war crimes in Gaza.

MSF emphasized that its personnel and their families were targeted by Israeli forces, even though the organization had provided detailed information about their locations. The vehicles used were also clearly marked with MSF's emblem, further underscoring the organization's status as a legitimate target.

The closure of these cases, according to MSF, confirms the lack of accountability within Israel's legal system for the deaths of its staff members. The organization called for the cases to be reviewed by an independent and impartial investigative body, asserting that no military objective can justify the mass killing of civilians.