Over 100 NGOs Urge Action Against Israel's Aid Restrictions Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

More than 100 NGOs, including Oxfam and MSF, have united to condemn Israel's "weaponisation of aid" in Gaza. The new regulations imposed by Israel have severely hindered aid delivery, leading to a humanitarian crisis and exacerbating starvation among vulnerable populations.

More than 100 humanitarian organizations have penned a joint letter demanding that Israel immediately halt the restrictions they describe as the "weaponisation of aid" to Gaza, as the region faces deepening starvation and medical crises. Prominent groups such as Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) report being increasingly denied permission to deliver crucial humanitarian assistance unless they comply with stringent Israeli regulations.

Despite claims from Israeli authorities that there are no obstacles to aid, humanitarian groups insist that they are forced to navigate a growing labyrinth of restrictions introduced in March 2023. These rules dictate that NGOs must provide detailed disclosures about their activities, personnel, and even their stance on Israel's legitimacy, with warnings of bans if they are perceived to "delegitimise" the state.

The dire consequences of this situation are evident, with most major international NGOs stating they have not been able to deliver a single truck of lifesaving supplies since the new regulations took effect. July alone saw over 60 requests for aid denied by Israeli authorities, leaving hospitals devoid of essential resources and vulnerable populations—including children, the elderly, and the disabled—facing acute hunger and preventable illnesses.

Sean Carroll, CEO of American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), highlighted the urgency of the situation, revealing that over $7 million worth of essential supplies is currently blocked from entering Gaza, including 744 tons of rice, which could yield six million meals.

Israel's latest guidelines have heightened the stakes for NGOs striving to assist those in need, compelling them to align closely with Israel's "national interests" or face potential loss of their operational standing within the country. This has left many groups worried about their autonomy and ability to advocate for the rights of Gaza's residents.

Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam Policy Lead, emphasized the substantial losses incurred by these restrictions, quoting that over $2.5 million worth of goods have been rejected entry into Gaza. The ramifications of this control over aid were labeled as distressing by MSF representatives, who described the distribution process as "militarised," while warning that such tactics have effectively "weaponised starvation."

As Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza City, claims surface regarding the provision of humanitarian support to civilian populations outside combat zones. However, clarity is lacking on whether this aid will flow through the Israel and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a body accused of facilitating military aims and consequently deemed unsafe by humanitarian experts.

The escalating violence has reportedly led to substantial civilian casualties, with figures emerging from the Hamas-run health ministry citing nearly 62,000 Palestinian deaths since the onset of conflict following a deadly Hamas attack in 2023. Meanwhile, the UN raises alarms over an unfolding famine situation, as advocates stress the urgent need for intervention. The chilling message from the collective of humanitarian organizations is clear: the ongoing restrictions on aid delivery threaten not only lives but the fundamental principles of humanitarian assistance itself.