The head of mission for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in the Palestinian territories has warned of serious health consequences if the organisation is forced to end its operations in Gaza.

Philipe Ribeiro said MSF is one of the largest healthcare providers operating in Gaza and the West Bank, and that its withdrawal would leave a significant gap in already overstretched medical services.

In a press statement on Thursday, Ribeiro said the organisation intends to continue working for as long as possible, but acknowledged that recent Israeli measures pose major obstacles to its operations.

He noted that MSF has been unable to bring international staff into Gaza since the beginning of January. “Israeli authorities have already refused any entry into Gaza, as well as into the West Bank,” he said.

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The entry of medical supplies has also been affected. “They are not currently allowed in, but we have some stock in our pharmacies that will allow us to continue our operations for the time being,” Ribeiro added.

He stressed that local and international teams remain active inside Gaza and that existing medical supplies will enable temporary continuation of services.