Israel says NGO nurse attempted Gaza attack

The aid group Doctors Without Borders, formally known by its French name Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), said on Friday that it was investigating claims from Israeli officials that one of its nurses attempted to carry out an attack on Israeli troops this week.

MSF confirmed in a statement that one of its employees, identified as Hani al-Majdalawi, was killed in the Gaza Strip on Monday.

"MSF is working to verify and understand the circumstances regarding this extremely serious incident, and is not able to comment further at this stage," the medical charity added.

Doctors Without Borders has around 200 local and foreign staff working in the Gaza Strip. In May, the group condemned Israel's use of force against protesters at the border.

Israel slams Doctors Without Borders

COGAT, Israel's defense ministry body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, first released the identity of the man in a statement on Thursday evening, saying that he worked as a nurse for MSF.

According to the statement, the man attempted to" infiltrate" Israel from Gaza, opening fire on Israeli soldiers and throwing an explosive device at them. Israeli troops then opened fire and killed al-Majdalawi.

COGAT demanded an explanation from MSF from the incident, calling the group "Terrorism Without Borders."

Al-Majdalawi's brother Osama said that Hani was not affiliated with any militant group, but that he had privately purchased a rifle. He also said his brother was newly married with a pregnant wife.

The Israeli military has not confirmed the man's death and did not provide details as to where his body was being held.

Over 160 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire on the Gaza border since mass protests began on March 30. One Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper in July.

Israel defends its use of force on the border, saying it is necessary to stop attacks.

rs/msh (AP, AFP, Reuters)