Rep. Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican from New York, has escalated her criticism against Doctors Without Borders (MSF), alleging that the organization is complicit in Hamas’s propaganda efforts and endangering the integrity of U.S.-backed humanitarian aid in Gaza. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Stefanik demanded an investigation under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing MSF’s media campaign against the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as evidence of its alignment with Hamas’s narrative. She claims that these actions not only mirror Hamas’s rhetoric but also risk undermining the only large-scale humanitarian food operation currently operating in the region.
Stefanik’s letter, which was obtained by Fox News Digital, highlights concerns about MSF’s alleged role in spreading what she termed ‘false claims’ and its potential to engage in unlawful activities. She argues that the Anti-Terrorism Act explicitly prohibits any individual or organization from providing material support to a designated terrorist group, including through propaganda. The letter also criticizes MSF for not addressing the plight of hostages held by Hamas, such as a cancer patient, a man who lost his hand in an explosion, and a pregnant woman who gave birth while in captivity—none of whom are mentioned in MSF’s advocacy efforts. These cases are presented as evidence that MSF is not neutral in the Gaza conflict and is instead promoting Hamas-supported rhetoric.
Stefanik further questions the integrity of MSF’s actions and rhetoric, citing instances where staff members have allegedly engaged in extremist behavior. One such case involves a MSF staffer killed in Gaza in June 2024, with the Israel Defense Forces confirming he was a rocket expert for Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Another incident, reported by the French publication Le Journal du Dimanche in March 2024, details how a MSF staff member publicly called for Palestinians to ‘fight and die as martyrs.’ Stefanik argues that these incidents demonstrate MSF’s involvement in extremist activities that contradict its humanitarian mission.
In addition to these allegations, Stefanik raised concerns about MSF’s adherence to the ‘strict prohibitions’ associated with its nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3) organization. She requested that Bondi’s office review MSF’s ‘political attacks’ and, if necessary, refer the group to the Internal Revenue Service for potential violations. ‘This is not a matter of routine oversight,’ Stefanik concluded. ‘It is a matter of national security, the protection of U.S. taxpayers and donors, and the defense of legitimate humanitarian organizations in one of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world.’ She emphasized that President Trump’s stance on the U.S. not tolerating support for terrorist organizations underscores the urgency of her concerns.
MSF did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s inquiries regarding the letter, leaving the allegations unaddressed. As the situation unfolds, the accusations may have broader implications, particularly concerning the balance between humanitarian aid and political activism in conflict zones, and how such dynamics impact international aid organizations’ ability to operate effectively without perceived bias or support for extremist groups.