International NGOs warn Israel’s ban will impede critical humanitarian action in Gaza

More than fifty global humanitarian organizations operating in the occupied Palestinian territories have expressed concern that the recent Israeli registration processes may significantly hinder their activities, putting at risk the assistance provided to civilians in critical need, despite the ceasefire in Gaza.

The 53 international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) released a joint statement on Friday in response to the Israeli regime’s decision to deregister 37 humanitarian organizations working in occupied Palestine, halting their operations after a 60-day period. 

According to the statement, the NGOs emphasized that these organizations are vital in humanitarian responses, cooperating with the United Nations and Palestinian civil society groups to provide large-scale life-saving assistance.

They highlighted that the United Nations, humanitarian taskforces, and donor governments have consistently acknowledged the essential role of these NGOs in humanitarian and developmental initiatives, calling on Israel to reconsider its decision.

The statement added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be critical in spite of the ceasefire, with one out of every four families depending on merely one meal per day. Furthermore, winter storms have forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, resulting in 1.3 million individuals urgently requiring shelter.

The global humanitarian organizations further noted that “International NGOs provide over half of Gaza’s food assistance, manage or support 60% of field hospitals, and implement nearly three-quarters of shelter and non-food aid activities. They also supply all treatment for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.”

The organizations cautioned that halting their operations would lead to the shutdown of health facilities, a suspension of food distribution, the breakdown of shelter supply chains, and the disruption of essential care.

UNRWA chief warns Israeli restrictions set 'dangerous precedent' and deepen Gaza crisis

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The non-governmental organizations said that the decision to cancel or suspend registrations transcends a mere technical or administrative matter; it represents a conscious political decision with foreseeable repercussions.

Should these measures be enacted, they will significantly obstruct extensive humanitarian assistance, thereby compromising international law, which mandates humanitarian access as a requirement rather than a privilege, they added.

The organizations finally called upon Israeli authorities to promptly cease the cancellation of registrations and other actions that obstruct humanitarian aid.

They urged donor governments to exert all possible pressure to overturn these measures, thereby guaranteeing that independent and principled humanitarian efforts can persist in delivering vital assistance to civilians in need.

Israel has rescinded the operating permits of 37 aid organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, for not adhering to the regime’s recent regulations.

The new regulations mandate that international NGOs operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank submit comprehensive details regarding their personnel, along with information about their funding and activities.

Israel has justified its action by alleging that international organizations operating in Gaza are connected to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, yet it has failed to present any evidence.

Israel faces increasing international criticism regarding the prohibition.

On Thursday, a coalition of 17 human rights and advocacy organizations in the Israeli-occupied territories denounced the ban, saying it “undermines principled humanitarian action, endangers staff and communities, and compromises effective aid delivery.”

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