UN chief urges Israel to reverse ban on NGOs in Gaza

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday urged Israel to reverse its decision to bar several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from his spokesperson.

Guterres is “deeply concerned by the announcement from Israeli authorities to suspend the operations of several international NGOs in the occupied Palestinian territories” and “calls for this measure to be rescinded,” spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said. “These international organizations are essential for vital humanitarian work, and this suspension risks undermining the fragile progress made during the cease-fire in Gaza,” he added.

“This announcement comes on top of previous restrictions that have already slowed the crucial entry of food, medical supplies, hygiene items and shelter into Gaza. This most recent decision will only further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians,” Dujarric said.

Israel confirmed on Thursday that it was banning 37 major international humanitarian organizations from accessing the Gaza Strip, accusing them of failing to provide lists of their employees’ names, now required for “security” reasons.

The measure has raised concerns about further delays in aid deliveries to Gaza, which has been devastated by two years of war and where most residents are in urgent need of shelter, medical care and food. It has also been interpreted by some groups as an effort to monitor Palestinian staff, a step some NGOs argue is unlawful.

Among the affected organizations are major international aid groups including Doctors Without Borders, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), CARE, World Vision and Oxfam. Although the regulation officially applies only to Gaza, NGOs have warned that it could soon be extended to the occupied West Bank.