UN Chief Demands Israel Restore Humanitarian Aid in Gaza

UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over Israel’s ban on humanitarian agencies in Gaza. He called for the measure to be reversed immediately. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said international NGOs are crucial for life-saving aid. Guterres warned that the suspension could undermine fragile progress made during the ceasefire. He also said it would worsen the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians.

Israel suspended 37 foreign humanitarian organizations on Thursday for refusing to share employee lists. The ban includes Doctors Without Borders, which employs 1,200 staff in Palestinian territories. Most of their workers operate in Gaza. Israel ordered these NGOs to stop operations by March 1. Several organizations said the new requirements violate international humanitarian law.

Israel said the regulation targets organizations it suspects of supporting terrorism. However, critics argue the rules threaten NGO independence. On Thursday, 18 Israel-based left-wing NGOs condemned the ban. They said the new registration framework violates humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence. The suspension has raised concerns among the international community.

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The region remains under a fragile ceasefire since October 2023. The conflict began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since then, more than 70,000 people have reportedly died in Gaza. Nearly 80 percent of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Infrastructure has been left decimated, leaving millions in urgent need of aid.

About 1.5 million residents of Gaza have lost their homes, said Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGO Network. Humanitarian agencies continue to struggle to provide basic services. UN officials warned that restrictions could worsen food, health, and shelter crises. They stressed the importance of international support for Palestinians. Global calls are growing for Israel to allow unhindered aid access.