Alain Destexhe, a former secretary-general of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), has accused the organization of abandoning its impartial humanitarian roots and becoming a ‘biased, partial and militant’ group in its response to the Gaza war. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Destexhe expressed deep concern about MSF’s current stance, stating that the organization is now ‘taking the side of Hamas and against Israel.’ He criticized MSF for its actions in Gaza, including social media posts that allegedly celebrated the Hamas attack on Israel and for cooperating with Hamas due to its control over the enclave’s medical infrastructure.
On Oct. 12, 2023, less than a week after Hamas launched its brutal attack on Israel, MSF condemned the massacre but also called for an end to Israel’s actions in Gaza, making no mention of the hostages. The organization’s statement highlighted its horror at the violence and called for an immediate cessation of attacks, while also emphasizing the need for safe spaces and passage for civilians. However, Destexhe noted that MSF’s staff in the Gaza Strip, predominantly Palestinians, may have posted content online that appears to support Hamas, which he views as a significant departure from the organization’s original mission.
Destexhe argued that MSF’s reliance on Hamas for operational freedom in Gaza has led to a loss of its original neutrality. He said that the organization must ‘quit Gaza and not become accomplices’ with a ‘terrorist organization.’ Additionally, he criticized MSF for echoing the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry’s statements, such as condemning a bombing at Al-Ahli Hospital without acknowledging the true cause. This has fueled further criticism, as the explosion was later found to be caused by a misfired Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket.
MSF has also faced scrutiny over its actions and statements regarding the Gaza conflict. The organization recently launched ads against the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israel-backed aid group, accusing it of ‘systemized violence.’ GHF’s spokesperson, Chapin Fay, dismissed these accusations as ‘false and disgraceful,’ calling them an amplification of misinformation.
In a recent development, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., requested that Attorney General Pam Bondi investigate MSF under the Anti-Terrorism Act, contending that the organization’s attacks on GHF ‘mirror propaganda continuously pushed by Hamas and threaten to undermine the only large-scale humanitarian food operation currently working in Gaza.’ Destexhe believes that without MS, the humanitarian situation in Gaza would not change significantly, as there would still be doctors caring for patients. He suggested that the organization’s presence in Gaza does not add any value and that the solution lies in its withdrawal.
Destexhe also referenced earlier decisions made by MSF, such as withdrawing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when the organization chose to leave to avoid legitimizing the violence. These instances showed that MSF has previously prioritized ethics over presence. However, he expressed disappointment that the organization is now failing to maintain its original principles in Gaza.
Despite these criticisms, MSF has not responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. This ongoing controversy highlights the deepening rift between the organization and its former leader, as well as the broader debates over neutrality, humanitarian aid, and political bias in conflict zones.