Humanitarian aid agencies have issued a grave warning about the imminent suspension of operations for most of their partner organizations in Gaza and the West Bank. This alarming situation is a consequence of the Israeli government’s demand that these entities provide confidential information about their Palestinian employees, a measure that was introduced on March 9.
The Humanitarian Country Team in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, composed of UN agencies and over 200 local and international NGOs, has indicated that, without urgent intervention, the majority of international NGOs could be delisted by September 9. This forced cancellation would require the withdrawal of international staff and halt the crucial humanitarian assistance that Palestinians desperately need.
While some UN agencies continue to operate in the region, cooperation between international and local NGOs is vital. The former not only provide financial resources but also essential supplies and technical support to reach the most vulnerable communities.
The potential interruption of these operations raises profound concerns. According to the Humanitarian Team, the suspension would deprive numerous communities of essential supplies such as food, medical care, and shelter. Organizations not registered under the new system already face severe restrictions in their ability to send aid, including 29 recent requests to deliver supplies to Gaza that have been denied.
The policy implemented by Israel is complicating the delivery of vital assistance, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, thereby increasing their exposure to abuses. Relief agencies have urged the Israeli authorities to reconsider this requirement, arguing that obstructing their work violates international law, in a context where deaths from starvation are reported and the threat of famine intensifies in Gaza.
Additionally, the situation in the region has become even more tragic following the overturning of an aid convoy, which left at least 20 dead and dozens injured. This incident highlights the desperation of the population for assistance. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that 90% of the aid that has reached Gaza since July 20 has been looted or dispersed among starving crowds, making conditions at distribution points critical. Recent reports indicate that thousands of deaths and injuries have occurred during the population’s attempts to access humanitarian aid, which has turned into a deadly risk due to the surrounding desperation.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
