The ministry of diaspora affairs and the fight against antisemitism, which heads the interministerial team for the registration and oversight of international organizations operating in Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip, welcomes the announcement by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) regarding their intention to submit the names of their local employees, in accordance with the procedure applicable to all organizations operating in the area.
The full transfer of information regarding the identity of local employees is expected of all organizations seeking registration under the procedure. As clarified throughout, this is a security requirement of the highest order. This requirement is based on clear and irrefutable evidence that employees of MSF and other aid organizations have, in the past, simultaneously operated as terrorist operatives and were involved in attacks against IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians.
The purpose of the criteria established under the procedure is to approve genuine humanitarian activity, in line with accepted international standards that have also withstood review by Israel’s Supreme Court, while preventing the exploitation of humanitarian cover for hostile purposes.
The ministry expects MSF to submit the list of names as soon as possible, in the hope that all employees meet the established criteria, in order to enable continuous humanitarian assistance, which is a clear interest of the State of Israel, alongside safeguarding the security of IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians.
Amichai Chikli, Minister of Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism: “The announcement by Médecins Sans Frontières regarding their intention to provide the Government of Israel with the names of their local employees is a step in the right direction. We have at least two documented cases of MSF operatives who were directly involved in terrorism, within Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. We now hope that the lesson will be learned and expect MSF to act in practice in accordance with the established criteria, to stand behind their commitment to cooperate, and to renounce any connection to terrorism. The State of Israel is committed to enabling genuine humanitarian assistance, but first and foremost will safeguard its sovereignty and the security of its citizens and soldiers
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