According to Israeli authorities, the affected groups did not provide "complete" personal details of their staff, among other unspecified deficiencies. The decision impacts well-known international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) including ActionAid, the International Rescue Committee, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Foreign ministers from 10 countries, including the UK, have strongly criticized the move, describing the new rules as "restrictive" and "unacceptable." In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the UK, France, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland warned that the forced closure of INGO operations would "have a severe impact on access to essential services including healthcare." They emphasized that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains "catastrophic" and urged the Israeli government to ensure INGOs can operate "in a sustained and predictable way."
The Israeli Ministry has not yet released further details regarding the specific requirements that the aid groups allegedly failed to meet. The new registration rules and their enforcement raise concerns about potential restrictions on humanitarian access to vulnerable populations in Gaza and the West Bank.
The revocation of licenses comes amid ongoing tensions and a complex political landscape in the region. Humanitarian organizations play a crucial role in providing essential services, including healthcare, food assistance, and education, to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Restrictions on their operations could exacerbate existing challenges and further destabilize the region.
The situation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the Israeli government will reconsider its decision or engage in dialogue with the affected aid groups and international stakeholders to find a resolution that ensures continued humanitarian assistance to those in need. The next developments will likely involve further diplomatic efforts and potential legal challenges to the license revocations.
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