Humanitarian Crisis Escalates in Gaza Amid Stricter Israeli Aid Regulations

A coalition of humanitarian groups warns that new Israeli regulations are obstructing vital aid deliveries to Gaza, resulting in deepening starvation and health crises among the population.

More than 100 humanitarian organizations have joined forces to urge Israel to reconsider its recent regulations that they claim are "weaponizing aid" in Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis is deepening. Prominent groups such as Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) report growing challenges in delivering aid due to increased Israeli oversight, which they say often leaves them feeling "not authorized" to operate effectively.

The coalition's letter highlights that many of the major international NGOs have faced a completely halted operation since the introduction of these regulations in March, as Israeli authorities deny requests for critical aid, citing compliance with their new rules. Indeed, over 60 aid requests were turned down in July alone.

Sean Carroll, CEO of American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), illustrated the dire situation, claiming his organization has over $7 million worth of essential supplies held up near Ashdod. The aid blockade is reportedly leaving hospitals unable to access necessary medical resources, leading to preventable deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

Israel contends that these measures are essential to prevent Hamas from exploiting humanitarian aid. The Israeli military authority overseeing aid logistics, Cogat, has indicated that around 20 organizations that meet security requirements are successfully delivering supplies, with about 300 trucks entering Gaza each day. However, the UN suggests that approximately 600 trucks daily are needed to alleviate the suffering.

The recent guidelines require that organizations maintain a specific registration status, with provisions allowing Israel to reject applications seen as challenging the state’s legitimacy. Israeli officials have claimed that some NGOs could be fronts for hostile activities, asserting that aid would be permitted for those without ties to violence or boycott movements.

Bushra Khalidi from Oxfam reported that more than $2.5 million worth of goods have been rejected entry into Gaza, raising concerns that the registration process undermines NGOs' independence and their capacity to advocate freely.

As Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza, reports indicate an alarming death toll, with nearly 62,000 Palestinian casualties since hostilities escalated. The UN has noted that stubborn starvation rates are leading to distressing mortality rates among the population. This comes in stark contrast to the growing international calls for urgent humanitarian intervention to address the unfolding crisis in Gaza, which many argue reflects a tragic trend toward weaponized aid during conflict.