According to Israeli authorities, the aid groups did not provide "complete" personal details of their staff, a requirement under the updated rules. Among the organizations facing closure are well-known international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) such as ActionAid, the International Rescue Committee, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
The decision has drawn strong criticism from foreign ministers representing 10 countries, including the United Kingdom. In a joint statement, the ministers from the UK, France, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland condemned the new rules as "restrictive" and "unacceptable." They warned that the forced closure of INGO operations would "have a severe impact on access to essential services including healthcare." The ministers emphasized the "catastrophic" humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged Israel's government to ensure INGOs can operate "in a sustained and predictable way."
The new registration rules and subsequent license revocations occur against a backdrop of ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region. Gaza, in particular, has faced significant challenges due to conflict and restrictions on movement, leading to a reliance on aid organizations to provide essential services. The Israeli government's Ministry has not yet issued further statements beyond the initial justification for the revocations. The affected aid groups have not yet issued a joint response.
The implications of this decision could be far-reaching, potentially disrupting the delivery of critical aid and exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis. The situation remains fluid, and diplomatic efforts are likely to continue as international actors seek to persuade Israel to reconsider its position and ensure the continued operation of vital aid services in Gaza and the West Bank.
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