Post by : Saif Rahman

The United Nations, alongside numerous humanitarian organizations, has sounded the alarm over the imminent risk to life-saving operations in Gaza. New restrictions imposed by Israel could compel many international aid agencies to cease their activities, potentially leaving millions of Palestinians without essential support.

This week, in a collaborative statement, the UN and over 200 local and international aid entities warned that conditions in Gaza are becoming increasingly perilous. They characterized Israel’s aid registration system as vague, unpredictable, and largely political, endangering the efforts of aid groups operating in Gaza and surrounding areas.

As a result, many international organizations face the threat of de-registration by December 31. If this occurs, they will be mandated to halt operations within a 60-day window. Aid groups emphasize that this would severely impact the services they provide, which include operating field hospitals, health clinics, emergency shelters, clean water systems, and nutrition programs for vulnerable children.

The statement emphasized that without these vital contributors, the availability of fundamental services such as healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and emergency relief would decline dramatically. Children suffering from severe malnutrition and families displaced by conflict would be severely affected.

Moreover, aid organizations reported that the re-registration hurdles have already impeded their operations. Considerable amounts of food, medicine, hygiene products, and building materials are reportedly stranded outside Gaza, unable to be delivered due to what these groups label as arbitrary restrictions.

Israel contends that it is adhering to its responsibilities under the ongoing ceasefire and aid agreement linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan. A precarious ceasefire took effect in October after a protracted two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to the terms, Hamas released hostages, Israel freed Palestinian prisoners, and more aid was permitted into Gaza.

However, various aid agencies and Hamas argue that the volume of aid trucks entering Gaza remains significantly below the promised levels, with many critical items still obstructed. Israel has refuted these claims, asserting that it is allowing sufficient aid and complies with the terms of the ceasefire.

The UN has reiterated its inability to substitute for the critical work of international aid organizations if they are compelled to exit. It cautioned that humanitarian assistance cannot effectively be handled by groups unwilling to adhere to neutral and independent operating principles.

In a strongly worded joint statement, they asserted that humanitarian access should never be regarded as optional or politicized. They urged that lifesaving assistance must reach Palestinians without delay, warning that failing to act may culminate in a total collapse of humanitarian support in Gaza.

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