Humanitarian organizations have united to condemn Israel's restrictions on aid deliveries to Gaza, warning of an escalating crisis and starvation among vulnerable populations.
End the Weaponisation of Aid in Gaza, Urge Over 100 NGOs
End the Weaponisation of Aid in Gaza, Urge Over 100 NGOs
Growing humanitarian crisis prompts urgent plea for unrestricted aid access in Gaza.
More than 100 humanitarian organizations have joined forces to call on Israel to halt the so-called "weaponisation of aid" in Gaza amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis. Prominent groups, including Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), report that they are increasingly facing limitations that obstruct their ability to deliver crucial supplies unless they comply with stringent Israeli regulations, which have been in place since March.
These regulations have reportedly rendered several major international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) ineffective, with many unable to send a single truck of lifesaving supplies since early March. Humanitarian groups believe restrictions are strategically enforced by Israeli authorities to restrict the flow of aid, adding that more than 60 requests for lifeline deliveries were rejected in July alone.
The inability to provide aid has grave consequences, resulting in hospitals lacking essential supplies and widespread hunger among vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. Sean Carroll, CEO of American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), expressed concern over the $7 million worth of lifesaving supplies, including 744 tons of rice, which remain stranded in Ashdod.
The recently introduced guidelines dictate how aid organizations must register to retain operational status in Israel. These provisions allow for registration applications to be denied under vague clauses, such as perceived delegitimization of Israel. Israel's Diaspora Minister, Amichai Chikli, stated that while some organizations will be allowed to operate, those that link to hostile activities or promote politically charged boycotts will face denial.
Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam Policy Lead, highlighted that over $2.5 million in goods have been rejected entry into Gaza, lamenting that this registration process compromises NGOs' independence and ability to advocate for humanitarian needs.
Amidst intensifying military operations in Gaza, Israel has promised humanitarian support to civilians but has provided little clarity on how such aid will be organized. While Israel accuses Hamas of siphoning aid intended for civilians, the group has denied these allegations. The United Nations recently reported high civilian casualties near designated humanitarian zones, raising further concerns about the effectiveness and safety of aid initiatives in the region.
Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa of MSF commented that the current distribution scheme has effectively "weaponised starvation," while MSF's Secretary-General, Chris Lockyear, characterized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as a "death trap" amid the ongoing crisis. As conflict escalates, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is increasingly dire, with recent estimates indicating a death toll of nearly 62,000 Palestinians, alongside alarming statistics regarding fatalities linked to starvation and malnutrition.
