The Humanitarian Country Team has issued a stern statement urging the international community to intervene and pressure Israeli authorities to reverse measures that are obstructing humanitarian work in the Gaza Strip. This team, consisting of senior UN officials and over 200 local and international aid groups, is deeply concerned about a new registration system for international non-governmental organizations that was implemented earlier this year.
According to aid groups, the current registration process is flawed, politicized, and sets impossible standards that go against humanitarian principles. Dozens of organizations are at risk of being deregistered by the end of December, with their operations facing forced closure shortly after. The repercussions of losing these organizations would be dire, as they play a crucial role in delivering approximately one billion dollars’ worth of assistance to the people of Gaza each year.
The inability to meet the registration requirements has led to millions of dollars’ worth of essential supplies such as food, medicine, hygiene products, and shelter materials being stranded outside of Gaza, unable to reach those in need. This situation is particularly alarming as winter sets in and there are concerns that further restrictions could undermine the fragile ceasefire in the region.
The impact of losing international NGOs cannot be understated, as they provide vital support for Gaza’s basic infrastructure for survival. These organizations are responsible for running field hospitals, primary health clinics, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, distributing emergency shelter, and treating children suffering from severe malnutrition. If these organizations are forced to leave, one in three health facilities in Gaza would be at risk of closure, leaving tens of thousands of patients without crucial medical care.
Despite repeated attempts to engage with Israeli authorities and find solutions to keep operations running smoothly, the concerns raised by aid agencies have not been addressed. The looming threat of NGO operations being dismantled is becoming increasingly likely, posing a significant risk to the well-being of the people in Gaza.
The Humanitarian Country Team emphasizes that humanitarian access is not a matter of political choice but a legal obligation. They stress the importance of allowing lifesaving assistance to reach Palestinians without delay, urging Israel to facilitate rapid and unimpeded aid deliveries and ensure the independent and safe operation of humanitarian organizations in the region.
If swift action is not taken, the consequences for civilians in Gaza could be catastrophic. The closure of health facilities, the disruption of essential services, and the inability to provide necessary aid to those in need could have far-reaching and devastating effects on the population. It is imperative that international pressure is applied to address these challenges and ensure that humanitarian work in Gaza is not impeded any further.
