Israel to Bar 37 Aid Groups as UK and EU Warn of Severe Impact in Gaza
Israel has announced its decision to revoke the licenses of 37 international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, citing their failure to meet new registration requirements. This move has raised significant concerns among humanitarian advocates and international governments about the potential repercussions on essential services in the region.
Key Details on the Aid Group Suspension
– The affected INGOs include prominent organizations such as ActionAid, International Rescue Committee, Médecins Sans Frontières, and Norwegian Refugee Council. Their licenses will be suspended on January 1, with operations ending within 60 days.
– Israel contends these organizations have not submitted complete personal details of their staff, which the INGOs assert could jeopardize their safety.
– Ten countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, have condemned the decision, stating that the new rules will severely impact access to critical services in Gaza. In their joint statement, foreign ministers emphasized the indispensable role of INGOs in the humanitarian response, warning that without them, meeting urgent needs would be impossible.
International Response and Implications
– Hadja Lahbib, the European Union’s humanitarian chief, remarked, Israel’s plans to block INGOs in Gaza means blocking life-saving aid, asserting that international humanitarian law mandates that aid must reach those in need.
– UN human rights chief Volker Türk characterized the suspension of these organizations as outrageous and arbitrary, exacerbating the already dire situation in Gaza.
– The Humanitarian Country Team of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which includes over 200 local and international NGOs, has urged Israeli authorities to reconsider these decisions, highlighting that most INGOs support critical services in Gaza, such as field hospitals and water sanitation.
Israeli Justifications and Concerns
The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, responsible for overseeing registration applications, asserts that these measures will not impede humanitarian assistance to Gaza, claiming that aid continues through vetted channels, including UN agencies. It stated that the INGOs facing suspension had reportedly not contributed significant aid during the current ceasefire, which began 11 weeks ago, with their collective input amounting to about 1% of total aid in Gaza.
The ministry pointed to several grounds for rejection under the new regulatory framework, including:
– Denying Israel’s existence as a Jewish and democratic state.
– Denying the Holocaust or recent Hamas-led attacks against Israel.
– Supporting armed resistance against Israel.
– Promoting campaigns that delegitimize Israel.
– Supporting boycotts or legal actions against Israeli security forces.
Concerns from Aid Organizations
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reacted strongly to allegations linking their staff to terrorist organizations, stressing they would “never knowingly employ people engaging in military activity.” MSF warned that losing its license would block essential medical support for many, as it currently oversees one in five hospital beds and one in three births in Gaza.
Similarly, Norwegian Refugee Council’s spokeswoman, Shaina Low, noted that deregistration would prevent foreign aid workers from entering Gaza but that local staff would continue supporting communities. She expressed anxieties about member safety and compliance with data protection laws when asked to disclose Palestinian staff details.
Low emphasized the urgent need for Israel to lift restrictions and facilitate aid access, stating, The number one thing that we’re concerned about is the entry of aid.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
As of December 19, UN-backed food security experts reported improvements in nutrition and supplies since the ceasefire began, yet 100,000 people still face catastrophic conditions in Gaza. Other affected INGOs include CARE, Medico International, and Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Bushra Khalidi from Oxfam addressed the misleading statistics from Cogat regarding INGOs’ contributions, stressing that their impact extends beyond mere aid volume—they are crucial implementers.
Conclusion
The decision to bar these 37 aid groups raises alarming questions about the future of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. As international bodies call for reconsideration, the ability of these organizations to provide essential services hangs in the balance. The consequences of these actions may further intensify the suffering of the population already enduring the aftermath of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.