NGOs Urge Israel to Halt Aid Restrictions Amid Deepening Crisis in Gaza

A coalition of humanitarian groups has issued a letter demanding that Israel cease the alleged "weaponisation of aid" as the region faces increasing starvation. Israeli authorities deny restrictions, while NGOs report a dramatic decrease in aid deliveries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

More than 100 humanitarian organizations have united in a letter urging Israel to reverse its restrictions on aid delivery to Gaza, citing a deepening crisis of starvation. Among the signatories are prominent groups like Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which report that they are increasingly facing prohibitions on delivering aid unless they adhere to stringent Israeli regulations. These regulations have been criticized for putting the onus on aid organizations to comply with guidelines that might be seen as undermining their independence.

According to the joint letter, the recent policy changes have left many international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) unable to deliver life-saving supplies since March. The groups claim that dozens of requests for aid have been denied, accusing Israeli authorities of blocking essential shipments. Notably, over 60 requests were turned down in July alone, leaving health facilities in Gaza deprived of basic necessities, with vulnerable populations facing dire consequences.

Sean Carroll, CEO of American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), highlighted the gravity of the situation, revealing that over $7 million worth of critical supplies is currently stranded just a few kilometers from Gaza. The new regulations, introduced in March, have altered how aid organizations can register and operate within Israel. Registration can be denied if authorities suspect a group of undermining Israel's legitimacy or engaging in campaigns deemed harmful.

Israeli officials maintain that the guidelines are necessary for ensuring that aid does not fall into the hands of hostile entities, stating that organizations with no ties to violence will be permitted to operate. Conversely, many aid workers express concern that compliance might compromise their ability to advocate for those in need. Bushra Khalidi from Oxfam noted that more than $2.5 million worth of goods has been blocked from entering Gaza under the new system.

As the hostilities intensify, with reports of airstrikes on Gaza City, Israel claims to be committed to supplying humanitarian aid outside combat zones, though specifics of delivery methods remain unclear. The UN has reported a troubling toll on civilians, with escalating deaths linked to the conflict, including starvation-related fatalities. MSF has described the current aid system as a "militarised food distribution scheme," calling the humanitarian circumstances in Gaza dire.

As the situation escalates, there are growing concerns voiced by the international community regarding the impact of the blockade on civilian populations and the urgent need for a humanitarian response that acknowledges the complexities of the ongoing conflict.