Israel threatens to block 37 NGOs in Gaza, and Doctors Without Borders appeals: ‘vital care at risk’

Israel will revoke the license of aid organizations in Gaza Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has called on the Israeli government to continue its operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The request comes after the announcement that 37 humanitarian NGOs would be prevented from entering Gaza if they did not provide Israeli authorities with data on their employees by New Year’s Eve, this Wednesday (31). Israel set the deadline for the revocations as January 1st – using new rules for Palestinians in these organizations as justification. July 28 – The sun sets over the scene of destruction following numerous bombings in northern Gaza, seen from the Israeli side of the border Amir Cohen/Reuters MSF warned that the measure will impact “vital healthcare” for hundreds of thousands in 2026. The organization is part of the list of affected NGOs, which also includes respected names such as Oxfam, CARE and World Vision International. The Israeli government argues that the new rules aim to prevent terrorists from exploiting international aid. Spokesman Gilad Zwick told AFP that some organizations refuse to send lists due to employees’ alleged involvement with Hamas. “I doubt that what they haven’t done in ten months will do so in less than twelve hours,” said Gilad Zwick. Israel specifically accused MSF of having employees linked to the Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups. In contrast, Hamas classified Israel’s decision as “criminal behavior” and a blatant disregard for the humanitarian system. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called the agencies’ suspension “outrageous.” He said in an official statement: “I remind the Israeli authorities of their obligation under international law to guarantee the supply of items essential to daily life in Gaza, including allowing and facilitating humanitarian aid.” The European Union’s top humanitarian authority, Hadja Lahbib, also criticized the new requirements, saying the current registration law blocks the arrival of “vital aid” to the population. “IHL [Direito Internacional Humanitário] leaves no room for doubt: aid must reach those who need it”, he said on a social network. Initial plugin text Climate concerns Nine countries, including the United Kingdom and France — and later Switzerland —, issued statements expressing concern. The group of nations demanded that Israel not impede the work of NGOs in the face of the humanitarian situation. The crisis occurs amid the arrival of winter and storms that destroyed thousands of tents in Gaza. Currently, around 1.3 million people in the Palestinian territory need urgent support for accommodation and housing. The ceasefire agreement, signed in October, provided for the entry of 600 trucks with supplies per day, however, analysts project that only between 100 and 300 have crossed the border. The deadline for organizations to provide the required data expires at midnight this Wednesday.

Source link