Israel Suspends Operations of 37 Aid Groups in Gaza Amid International Outrage
In a move that has sparked widespread condemnation, Israel announced the suspension of 37 international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the beleaguered Gaza Strip. The decision, which includes prominent aid groups like Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Oxfam, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, was justified by Israeli authorities on the grounds of these organizations' failure to comply with new regulations requiring detailed information about their Palestinian employees.
Background and Context
The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs announced the decision after a December 31 deadline for NGOs to submit a list of their Palestinian staff for screening by intelligence services. Non-compliant organizations were informed they must cease operations by March 1, 2025. This move comes at a crucial time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening, with NGOs playing a key role in providing essential services such as food and medical aid.
Key Developments
The banned groups include major charities such as CARE International, the International Rescue Committee, and divisions of Oxfam and Caritas. Among the most impacted is MSF, one of the largest medical groups operating in Gaza, supporting approximately 20 percent of the hospital beds and one-third of births in the region. MSF and other NGOs have categorically denied Israel's allegations of cooperation with Hamas, the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip.
International Reactions and Implications
The international community has responded with widespread disapproval of the Israeli decision. The United Nations rights chief, Volker Turk, denounced the move as outrageous
, warning it would exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The European Union echoed these sentiments, stating the ban would block life-saving aid from reaching Gaza's population.
Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam's policy lead in the occupied Palestinian territory, pointed out that the Israeli authorities had already been obstructing the entry of aid materials into Gaza for months. Israel continues to block us whether we’re registered or not and has continued to deliberately obstruct humanitarian aid regardless of these rules,
she stated.
Hamas, on the other hand, condemned Israel’s decision as criminal behavior
and a dangerous escalation
in a statement. The group urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take urgent action against this move.
Current Status and Consequences
Despite the international outcry, the Israeli authorities are set on enforcing the ban, which is feared to amplify the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The suspension of these organisations could cut hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza off from essential care. The future of humanitarian aid in this region now hangs in the balance, as the international community grapples with this unexpected and unprecedented development.