Humanitarian groups worldwide are condemning new Israeli rules limiting their access to provide aid to Gaza, citing “starvation deepens” in the territory. Over 100 organizations have signed a joint letter calling for Israel to stop the “weaponisation of aid”, saying they risk being banned if they “delegitimise” the state or don’t disclose information about Palestinian staff.
According to groups like Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Israeli authorities have rejected over 60 requests from NGOs in July alone, citing new rules introduced in March. These rules require aid groups to register with Israel’s Cogat body and adhere to security requirements to prevent Hamas involvement.
The UN reports that 600 trucks of supplies daily are needed in Gaza, but most major international organizations have been unable to deliver a single truck since March due to the stricter regulations. Aid groups say hospitals lack basic supplies, children, people with disabilities, and older people are dying from hunger and preventable illnesses.
Israel claims any delays occur only when organizations fail to meet security requirements. However, humanitarian groups argue that the registration process signals a threat to their independence and ability to speak out. The UN has reported 859 Palestinians killed near aid sites since May, while Hamas denies accusations of stealing aid.
Aid groups are sounding the alarm as Israel’s military operations in Gaza escalate, with thousands more casualties reported. Humanitarian organizations demand an end to what they call “weaponised starvation” and immediate access for life-saving supplies.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj6ynz22871o