A significant coalition of NGOs, including Oxfam and MSF, have expressed alarm over new Israeli regulations restricting aid delivery to Gaza. They argue that these regulations weaponize aid and exacerbate the region's starvation crisis, leading to substantial loss of life and suffering.
Urgent Call from Humanitarian Groups as Aid Restrictions in Gaza Escalate
Urgent Call from Humanitarian Groups as Aid Restrictions in Gaza Escalate
Over 100 humanitarian organisations warn that strict Israeli regulations prevent essential aid from reaching Gaza, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
More than 100 humanitarian organisations have banded together to call for the cessation of what they describe as the "weaponisation of aid" in Gaza, as the region grapples with a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by widespread starvation. Prominent groups like Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) report that they are being increasingly informed that they lack the necessary authorisations to deliver aid under newly enforced Israeli regulations, implemented in March.
The organisations warn of significant repercussions for those who do not comply with the stricter requirements, which include providing detailed information about Palestinian staff and a ban on actions deemed as "delegitimising" the state of Israel. However, the Israeli government argues that these rules are designed to ensure that humanitarian assistance does not reach Hamas, aiming to directly assist the population instead.
As reflected in the joint letter, most major international NGOs have effectively been unable to deliver any lifesaving aid since March 2, with over 60 requests denied just in July. This inability to provide essential supplies has compromised the functionality of hospitals and the well-being of vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
Sean Carroll, CEO of American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), highlighted the stark reality that over $7 million worth of lifesaving supplies, including substantial quantities of rice intended for millions of meals, remain stuck in Ashdod, just miles from the Gaza border. Israel maintains that delays are merely a result of aid organisations failing to meet basic security protocols intended to prevent Hamas's involvement.
Despite claims from Israeli authorities, the United Nations indicates that 600 trucks of supplies are required daily to adequately address the needs of Gaza's residents, a number far exceeding the currently approved amount. The new registration process aims to keep non-compliant organisations from operating, and any connection with groups perceived as hostile can lead to denial of registration.
Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam Policy Lead, illuminated the impact of these regulations, noting that over $2.5 million worth of aid has been turned away by Israeli authorities. She underscored that this process threatens the independence of NGOs and their capacity to voice concerns about the ongoing humanitarian situation.
As Israeli military actions intensify in Gaza City, the response to aid distribution remains fraught with tension. While Israel pledges to deliver aid to civilians in non-combat zones, specific provisions regarding the nature of this assistance or its delivery by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) remain unclear.
The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate with reports indicating that starvation has led to significant loss of life, as more than 62,000 Palestinians have died due to Israeli military actions since the outbreak of conflict. The warnings from humanitarian groups echo the grave reality faced by the residents of Gaza, with MSF representatives describing the current food distribution framework as one that "weaponizes starvation."
