Mothers and children in Gaza waiting for food from aid organizations.Moiz Salhi/APA/Zuma
Israel suspended aid work by 37 humanitarian organizations on Tuesday, possibly crippling the delivery of essential services to Palestinians in Gaza amid accusations of failing to meet new vetting guidelines.
- The Israeli government is suspending the operations of 37 aid organizations.
- Organizations affected include Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières and the International Rescue Committee.
- Foreign ministers from ten nations have condemned the decision.
- The suspensions come as Palestinians in Gaza continue to face a humanitarian crisis, including widespread displacement and malnutrition.
The Israeli government claims the organizations did not comply with newly established vetting procedures.Though, some of the affected groups argue the rules are arbitrary and could jeopardize the safety of those working for the non-governmental organizations, according to the Associated Press.
Among the organizations facing suspension are Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières,Humanity & Inclusion,the International Rescue Committee,and Action Aid. These groups not only provide healthcare and other necessities but have also been vocal about the harsh realities endured by palestinians. An employee with Humanity & Inclusion shared in 2024 that “one of the saddest things we hear on a regular basis” is that children who have undergone amputations “think that their legs may grow again.”
Following the proclamation, the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom released a joint statement condemning the decision.
“Deregistration could result in the forced closure of [non-governmental organizations’] operations within 60 days in gaza and the West Bank. This would have a severe impact on access to essential services, including healthcare,” the statement read. “Any attempt to stem their ability to operate is unacceptable.Without them, it will be impossible to meet all urgent needs at the scale required.”
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières stated that, while awaiting official notification regarding their registration applications, preventing them from providing services would be devastating for Palestinians. “In Gaza, MSF supports around 20 percent of all hospital beds and supports the delivery of one in three babies,” a spokesperson said.
Humanity & Inclusion reported that its registration to operate in Palestine will be suspended, effective tomorrow. “This decision comes amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with massive and urgent needs among the civilian population, especially in Gaza,” said a spokesperson. “[H&I] is currently consulting with other affected humanitarian organizations to analyze the implications of this decision and determine the appropriate next steps.”
Although a ceasefire began in early October-involving the return of hostages held by Hamas to Israel-Palestinians in Gaza continue to face dire circumstances. As of December 9, Palestinian officials reported 360 Palestinians had been killed as the start of the ceasefire, according to UNRWA reports.
In October, the International Rescue Committee emphasized the continued need for aid to Gaza, with IRC CEO and President David Miliband stating that “with 55,000 Palestinian children suffering from acute malnutrition and 90 percent of the population displaced, what is needed now is a dramatic surge in the amount of aid going into Gaza.”
Adding to the crisis, intense rain and flooding have recently impacted Gaza, displacing Palestinians living in tents who had already been forced from their homes, according to reports.
