Over 200 organizations warn that Israel’s deregistration process could force vital aid groups to shut down, cutting off lifesaving services for Palestinians.
Over 200 organizations warn that Israel’s deregistration process could force vital aid groups to shut down, cutting off lifesaving services for Palestinians.
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UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations and more than 200 humanitarian organizations jointly warned on Wednesday that lifesaving operations in Gaza are at risk of collapse unless Israel immediately lifts administrative and logistical impediments, including what they describe as a “vague, arbitrary, and highly politicized” aid group registration system.
According to the statement, dozens of international NGOs (INGOs) face deregistration by December 31, after which they would be forced to cease operations within 60 days. This would critically undermine the humanitarian response in Gaza, where needs remain severe following years of conflict and a fragile ceasefire.
“INGOs run or support the majority of field hospitals, primary health care centers, emergency shelters, water and sanitation services, nutrition centers for malnourished children, and mine clearance activities,” the statement said. “Their deregistration will have a catastrophic impact on access to essential services.”
Despite a ceasefire initiated in October under the first phase of a U.S.-backed Gaza plan, aid agencies report that arbitrary restrictions continue to hold up millions of dollars worth of supplies—including food, medicine, hygiene items, and shelter materials—outside the enclave.
Israel’s mission to the UN did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli officials have previously denied obstructing aid and say they are fulfilling their commitments under the truce, though humanitarian groups insist far less assistance is entering Gaza than is required.
The joint warning stressed that the UN cannot compensate for a collapse of INGO operations and that humanitarian access “is not optional, conditional, or political.” It called for lifesaving assistance to be allowed to reach Palestinians without further delay.
