Doctors of the World deplores and condemns the murder of one of its staff in Gaza

Maysara Rayyes, an emergency doctor and medical supervisor who worked for Doctors of the World for two years, was killed, along with several members of his family, when his building was bombed in Gaza on 5 November 2023.

Our deepest condolences and sympathy go to his family and to our team, who have been through horrific events for the last several weeks.

We have time and time again condemned the incessant and indiscriminate bombing by the Israeli army, which continues to kill civilians, our humanitarian colleagues, and healthcare workers. This is a tragic reminder that a ceasefire is vital to end the massacre.

Maysara Rayyes was 28 years old and lived in the north of the Gaza Strip. After studying medicine in London, he chose to return to practice in Gaza.

With elderly parents and parents-in-law with reduced mobility, Maysara was unable to heed the Israeli army’s orders to travel to the south. He tried to take shelter near hospitals to protect himself, but nowhere was spared.

After his house was bombed, Maysara Rayyes, his family, and other Gazans remained under the rubble for more than 48 hours. Rescue bulldozers were delayed due to a lack of fuel, essential to the work of hospitals, ambulances, and research operations. The rescue mission then had to be interrupted due to additional bombing in the area.

Doctors of the World will not accept the treatment of people who have remained in the north of the Gaza Strip as collateral damage. They are the victims of Israel’s political decision not to prioritise and protect the lives of civilians, medical staff, and humanitarian workers. Maysara Rayyes and his family paid for this with their lives.

“Today we have lost one of our own, and members of his family. Our thoughts are with Maysara’s family and with our teams on site. This tragedy could have been avoided if a ceasefire had been introduced, which we have been calling for for several weeks now.” Florence Rigal, President of Médecins du Monde.

For several days, Doctors of the World has struggled to maintain contact with its teams in Gaza because the internet lines are regularly cut.

“We remain deeply concerned for our teams on the ground. This situation has repercussions for people who are unable to contact the emergency services to carry out rescue operations. Without communication, they cannot find out which areas have been bombed or contact their families. These conditions are intolerable and unrealistic. It is virtually impossible for humanitarian workers and medical staff to carry out their missions: to help the population and save lives.” Héléna Ranchal, Director of International Operations at Médecins du Monde.