UN Chief Urges Israel to Reverse NGO Restrictions Amid Gaza Aid Crisis
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has demanded Israel reverse its decision to restrict international NGOs operating in Gaza, with his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stating the measures have already delayed critical food and medical aid deliveries. Dujarric warned the new restrictions would worsen the Palestinian humanitarian crisis, stressing these organizations are essential for life-saving operations and that their suspension could undo fragile progress made during the Gaza ceasefire.
Fifty-three NGOs including Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, and Oxfam jointly warned of severe humanitarian consequences, emphasizing that revoked permits have severely disrupted relief efforts amid civilians’ urgent needs. A December 30 notification gave 37 international organizations 60 days to cease operations in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, after Israel’s cabinet initiated the revocation process citing incomplete legal registration requirements.
Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported the process is being led by a joint cabinet team.
