Doctors Without Borders has stopped producing specialized 3D-printed masks for patients with severe facial burns in Gaza. Restrictions on medical supplies prevented the organization from obtaining essential materials needed for the treatment.
The humanitarian agency warned that children may be left with permanent disabilities as a result of the shortages.
These supply blocks come amid wider restrictions affecting humanitarian institutions operating in the territory. In December 2025, Israeli authorities revoked the registration of Doctors Without Borders and 37 other international non-governmental organizations.
That decision raised immediate concerns about their ability to continue delivering assistance. Physiotherapist manager Dr Feras Swairjo addressed the shutdown in a statement. The organization produced its last mask for victims of severe burns on October 14, 2026.
"Due to restrictions and blockages by the Israeli authorities of essential items, we are unable to continue supporting patients who have suffered extensive injuries and burns on their faces," said Dr Swairjo.
Patients in Gaza suffered severe burns from multiple causes. Many sustained extensive injuries from Israeli airstrikes, while others suffered burns while cooking in overcrowded tents or on open fires.
The organization was the sole provider of 3D-printed physiotherapy masks in the territory. The suspension of production leaves vulnerable patients without access to this specialized care.
The masks apply consistent pressure to healing burns, preventing hypertrophic scarring and contractures. They are individually designed using 3D scans of patients’ faces to apply controlled pressure to healing skin.
Without this treatment, thickened scars can restrict facial movement. The resulting complications can affect essential functions such as breathing, vision, and movement.
"Without these specialized masks, patients face the risk of permanent facial disfigurement and disabilities that can affect their ability to move, see, or even breathe normally," the organization reported.
In April, the agency reported that children accounted for 85 percent of its 88 active patients receiving treatment for severe facial burns in Gaza.
The agency stated that it possessed the medical expertise and capacity to provide aid in Gaza. However, it was being deprived of basic materials, and resource access into the strip was limited.
"The blockages of these essential supplies risk leaving children with preventable disabilities for the rest of their lives. It is a man-made problem that can be solved today," Dr Swairjo said.
Doctors Without Borders called on Israeli authorities to allow the unrestricted entry of the medical materials needed to treat patients, warning of serious consequences if these injuries were left untreated.
