Gaza: Two Doctors Without Borders Employees Exposed as Jihadist Operatives

Image: Jihad Watch

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has released what it describes as detailed evidence alleging that certain staff members of the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF) operating in the Gaza Strip were concurrently involved with Palestinian terrorist groups, raising serious concerns about the misuse of humanitarian cover for militant activity.

In a statement posted on X over the weekend, the ministry identified Fadi al-Wadiya as an employee of the Geneva-based NGO who was simultaneously serving as a senior operative of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). To support its claim, the ministry shared an image purportedly showing al-Wadiya dressed in military fatigues. According to Israeli authorities, al-Wadiya played a significant role in advancing the rocket capabilities of PIJ, an organization described by Israel as being backed and directed by Iran.

The Foreign Ministry further alleged that Nasser Hamdi Abdelatif al-Shalfouh, another individual employed by Doctors Without Borders in Gaza, was also actively involved in Hamas. As per the ministry’s statement, al-Shalfouh served as a sniper and took part in what it termed “combat and operational activity” while holding a position with the humanitarian organization.

Emphasizing the broader implications of these allegations, the ministry argued that such cases underscore the urgent need for rigorous screening and oversight of personnel working for international aid groups in conflict zones. “This is why strict vetting and real accountability of humanitarian staff is essential,” the post stated, adding, “Aid must never be a cover for terror.”

These claims were reinforced earlier in the week by NGO Monitor, an Israel-based watchdog organization that scrutinizes the activities of non-governmental organizations. On Thursday, NGO Monitor publicly identified four Doctors Without Borders staff members as alleged affiliates of terrorist organizations operating in Gaza.

In addition to Fadi al-Wadiya, NGO Monitor named Mahmoud Abu Nujaila, described as a senior figure in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP); Mazab Bashir, who reportedly confessed to and was indicted in connection with an assassination plot against former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert; and Hani Majdalawi, a nurse from Gaza accused of opening fire on Israeli troops.

Together, these allegations have intensified scrutiny of humanitarian operations in Gaza and reignited debate over the challenges of ensuring that international aid efforts are not infiltrated or exploited by militant networks amid ongoing conflict.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)