Doctors Without Borders raises concerns over missing surgeon in northern Gaza

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has expressed deep concern over the safety and whereabouts of Dr. Mohammed Obeid, an orthopaedic surgeon. Obeid was last known to be sheltering and working at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

Contact with Obeid was lost on Friday afternoon amidst intense Israeli military operations in and around the hospital. MSF has urged for his protection and safety, as well as that of all medical staff in Gaza.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says it is “deeply concerned for the safety and whereabouts” of Dr Mohammed Obeid, an MSF orthopaedic surgeon, who was “sheltering and working in Kamal Adwan Hospital, northern Gaza”.

In a post on X, MSF said it hadn’t been in contact with Obeid since Friday afternoon, following “intense military operations by Israeli forces” in the hospital and its surroundings.

“We call for his safety and protection, as well as for all medical staff in Gaza,” MSF added.
The incident follows reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) that Israeli authorities detained 44 male staff members from Kamal Adwan Hospital. Only female staff, the hospital director, and one male doctor were left to care for approximately 200 patients.

The detention and ongoing violence have heightened concerns about the vulnerability of medical personnel and facilities in conflict zones. MSF and WHO have emphasized the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and ensuring the protection of healthcare workers and facilities.