EU warns of blocking aid to Gaza following Israeli ban on international relief orgs

In a statement, the EU stressed the importance of allowing these organizations to carry out their work in a sustainable manner, ensuring that aid reaches those in need swiftly, safely, and at the necessary scale. It emphasized that humanitarian assistance must be delivered broadly, quickly, and without hindrance.

The statement also highlighted the continued deterioration of humanitarian conditions in Gaza, noting that residents are facing heavy rains and freezing temperatures this winter without adequate shelter.

Children remain unable to attend school, while healthcare facilities are operating in near-collapse due to severe shortages in medical staff and supplies.

Recently, the Israeli government began revoking the operating licenses of several international organizations in Gaza and the West Bank, citing incomplete legal registration requirements.

Hebrew media reports revealed that organizations were given extended deadlines to submit full lists of their Palestinian employees for what was described as “security checks.” Israel claims, without providing evidence, that employees of Doctors Without Borders were involved in “terrorist activities.”

A report published in September by the Israeli outlet +972 Magazine revealed that Israel aims to exert full control over the work of international humanitarian organizations through a new regulatory mechanism. This mechanism effectively forces aid groups to choose between protecting their employees and continuing to deliver essential services to Palestinians.

The magazine explained that while the move appears administrative, it poses an existential threat to dozens of international NGOs that have operated for decades to improve the lives of Palestinians under occupation.

It added that these organizations are concerned that sharing employee information could expose their staff, especially in Gaza, to surveillance, coercion, or retaliation.