Guterres Urges Israel to Lift Ban on NGOs in Gaza and West Bank

UN Secretary-General's Appeal

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has called on Israel to lift the ban imposed on 37 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. In a statement made on Friday, Guterres emphasized that the work of these groups is "essential for life-saving humanitarian operations," according to spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. He warned that "the suspension risks undermining the fragile progress made during the ceasefire."

Severe Restrictions on Humanitarian Aid

Israel has banned humanitarian groups for not complying with new registration rules that demand they provide "detailed information about staff members, funding, and operations." Authorities have promised to enforce this ban starting March 1. Experts have condemned these requirements as arbitrary and a violation of humanitarian principles. Aid groups have warned that providing personal information about their Palestinian employees to Israel could put them at risk.

Impact of the Ban on the Humanitarian Crisis

The targeted groups include several branches of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the International Rescue Committee. To date, Israel has killed approximately 500 humanitarian workers and volunteers in Gaza amid the ongoing genocidal war. Additionally, at least 71,271 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

Statement by Foreign Ministers

In his statement, Guterres highlighted that the NGO ban "comes on top of previous restrictions that have already delayed the delivery of essential food, medical assistance, hygiene, and shelter in Gaza." He warned that this recent action will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians. Almost the entire population of Gaza has been displaced during the war, with many living in tents and temporary shelters.

Call for International Action

Foreign ministers from Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia warned on Friday that the "degrading" conditions threaten to cause even more casualties in Gaza. They called on the international community to "press Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift constraints on the entry and distribution of essential supplies, including tents, shelter materials, medical assistance, drinking water, fuel, and sanitation support."