Over 100 NGOs say Israel’s stricter aid rules halt vital supplies to
Gaza, worsening hunger crisis.
Jerusalem — More than 100 aid organisations, including Oxfam and
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have accused Israel of “weaponising aid” after
new regulations left Gaza facing worsening starvation. Since March, most
international NGOs say they have been unable to deliver a single truck of
supplies, despite soaring humanitarian needs.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a breaking point,
according to international aid groups who say Israeli regulations are
preventing vital deliveries of food and medical supplies.
A joint letter signed by over 100 organisations calls on Israel to reverse
rules they argue have effectively blocked their operations. The groups say the
regulations undermine independence, limit access, and risk turning aid into a
political tool.
The new framework, introduced in March, requires NGOs to submit
extensive registration documents, including detailed information on Palestinian
staff, while prohibiting any group deemed to “delegitimise” Israel.
Humanitarian workers say the impact has been immediate. “Anera has $7
million worth of food and medicine stuck just kilometers away from Gaza,
including 744 tons of rice, enough for six million meals,” said Sean Carroll,
CEO of American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera).
Oxfam’s policy lead Bushra Khalidi warned that Israel had rejected over
$2.5 million worth of goods. “This registration process signals that our
ability to operate may come at the cost of our independence,” she said.
Médecins Sans Frontières echoed the alarm. In a statement, MSF emergency
coordinator Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa accused Israel of creating a “militarised food
distribution scheme” that has “weaponised starvation.”
Israel denies that aid is being blocked. Officials argue that the new
rules are necessary to ensure supplies reach civilians and not Hamas, which
they accuse of diverting humanitarian goods for military purposes.
The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT),
the Israeli military body overseeing aid, said nearly 20 NGOs that completed
registration continue to deliver aid. According to COGAT, roughly 300 trucks
enter Gaza daily.
The UN, however, says the figure falls far short of the 600 trucks
needed each day to meet basic humanitarian needs. Shortages have already left
hospitals without essential medicines and forced families to survive on minimal
rations.
Aid groups report rising deaths from hunger and preventable diseases.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says 235 people, including 106 children, have
died due to starvation and malnutrition in recent months.
Critics argue the new system gives Israeli authorities sweeping power to
decide which organisations can operate. Groups risk losing registration if
accused of promoting “delegitimisation campaigns” or denying Israel’s
democratic character.
Israel’s Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli defended the measures, telling
AFP that “many organisations serve as a cover for hostile and sometimes violent
activity.” He insisted that NGOs with no links to Hamas or boycott campaigns
“will be granted permission to operate.”
For those left outside the system, the consequences are devastating.
Hospitals warn of dwindling stocks of antibiotics and surgical supplies.
Families queue for hours at charity kitchens that struggle to keep up with
demand.
MSF Secretary-General Chris Lockyear told the BBC that Israel’s
US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is a “death trap,” claiming the
system channels aid through militarised distribution points that are unsafe for
civilians.
The UN has documented at least 859 Palestinians killed near GHF sites
since May, though Israel disputes the figure. GHF denies responsibility for the
deaths, insisting its operations are humanitarian in nature.
The crisis comes as Israel intensifies its bombardment of Gaza City,
ahead of what officials describe as a plan to seize control of the urban
center. Israel says humanitarian aid will be provided “outside combat zones,” but
has not confirmed whether it will rely solely on the GHF system.
With famine looming, aid groups are calling for urgent international
intervention. “The humanitarian situation is hanging on by a thread,” Lockyear
said. “Lives are being lost every day because supplies are not getting
through.”