The United Nations and various aid agencies have raised alarms over newly imposed Israeli registration requirements for international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) that could lead to the collapse of humanitarian efforts in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. According to the regulations, INGOs must be registered by December 31 or face the suspension of their activities within 60 days, potentially disrupting critical healthcare and emergency services.
Save the Children has announced that its registration application has not been approved, prompting the organization to seek legal avenues for reconsideration. Meanwhile, Israel's ministry responsible for diaspora affairs asserts that the withdrawal of what they term rogue organizations would not hinder aid delivery.
As of now, only 21 out of nearly 100 applications have been approved, with many still under review. This new registration process establishes specific grounds for rejection, including denial of Israel's status as a Jewish state and support for actions against Israel. The Humanitarian Country Team for the Occupied Palestinian Territory warns that this arbitrary system threatens the operations of INGOs critical to maintaining basic services in Gaza. Should the organizations be forced to cease operations, it is estimated that one in three health facilities in Gaza could shut down, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Both Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Save the Children emphasize their commitment to continue supporting affected populations despite these challenges. MSF stresses that the loss of independent humanitarian organizations would be a catastrophic blow for Palestinians. An Israeli official claims that the organizations have had ample time to comply with registration requirements, yet the humanitarian community argues that the system undermines essential aid efforts and violates core humanitarian principles.
The UN stresses that removing INGOs could lead to disastrous consequences, particularly during the winter months when conditions are already harsh. The agency maintains that Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure adequate living conditions for the population in Gaza.
