Israel and the ban on relief organizations in Gaza: a UN alarm and calls to reverse the decision

With Israel preventing 37 major international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip, the UN Secretary-General stepped into the crisis, expressing concern and urging Tel Aviv to reverse the move.

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Israel to revoke its decision to block many international humanitarian organizations from entering Gaza.

Stéphane Dujarric said that Guterres was “deeply concerned by the announcement by the Israeli authorities to suspend the activities of numerous international NGOs in the occupied Palestinian territories,” adding that he “calls for this measure to be reversed.”

He stressed that these international organizations are “indispensable for vital humanitarian work,” warning that the Israeli measure “risks undermining the fragile progress achieved during the ceasefire” in Gaza.

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Israeli restrictions

He expressed regret, saying that “this announcement adds to earlier restrictions that slowed the entry of food, medicine, hygiene supplies, and essential shelter into Gaza. This latest decision will worsen the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians.”

Israel confirmed on Thursday that it would bar 37 major international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip, accusing them of failing to provide the names of their employees — now officially required for “security” reasons.

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The measure raises fears of further delays in delivering aid to Gaza, devastated by war over the past two years, where most residents are in urgent need of housing, healthcare, and food.

It also reflects Israel’s desire to monitor Palestinian staff members — something some NGOs consider unlawful.

These organizations include key humanitarian actors such as Doctors Without Borders, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Care, World Vision, and Oxfam.

Officially, the new regulations apply only to Gaza, but NGOs have already voiced concern that they could eventually extend to the occupied West Bank.

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