Israel has enforced new regulations prohibiting dozens of aid organizations from accessing Gaza and the West Bank. Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli stated that these organizations were required to submit detailed staff information within 10 months, with the deadline passing at midnight on Wednesday. Those failing to comply had their licenses revoked, according to an Israeli government official who spoke anonymously.
A review conducted by the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs identified 37 organizations that did not adhere to the new regulations. These rules are aimed at preventing organizations accused of supporting militant activities from operating in the Palestinian territories, as reported by Xinhua news agency. The announcement of the ban came shortly after senior officials from 19 UN humanitarian agencies and major international aid organizations urged Israel to reconsider the decision, citing potential “devastating” consequences.
The plea from the humanitarian agencies highlighted concerns about the impact of the ban, particularly in Gaza during the winter season. They emphasized the critical need for life-saving aid and expressed worries that the prohibition could undermine progress made during the ceasefire. Notable signatories to the joint statement included high-ranking officials from various UN agencies and international organizations, collectively delivering nearly 1 billion US dollars in assistance annually.
The situation in Gaza has been dire, with over two years of Israeli assaults resulting in significant destruction, widespread hunger, malnutrition, and a high number of casualties. According to Gaza-based health authorities, the assaults have led to the death of at least 71,269 individuals and injuries to 171,232 others.
