The UN and various aid agencies have raised alarm over new Israeli registration rules for international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), warning that these could endanger the humanitarian response in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. INGOs that fail to register by December 31 face potential closure of their operations in Israel, which could severely disrupt healthcare and other essential services.
Recent reports indicate that Save the Children has not had its registration application approved, prompting the organization to explore all avenues for reconsideration. Israel's ministry of diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism has stated that the exit of 'rogue organisations' will not impact the delivery of aid.
This newly implemented registration system has been criticized for creating arbitrary and highly politicized criteria, which could lead to unnecessary restrictions on humanitarian operations. A significant portion of the humanitarian response in Gaza relies on INGOs, which currently provide critical services including healthcare, emergency shelter, water and sanitation facilities, and nutrition support for children.
If INGOs are forced to halt operations, it is feared that one in three health facilities in Gaza may close, exacerbating dire conditions for the Palestinian population.
The Humanitarian Country Team cautioned that continuing with these policies could jeopardize a fragile ceasefire and put lives at increased risk, particularly during winter. They emphasized the importance of complying with international humanitarian law to ensure adequate provision for Gaza's population.
As these concerns mount, organizations continue to push for clarity and the ability to maintain their operations in a context that remains tumultuous.
