Urgent Call to End Aid Restrictions in Gaza as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

More than 100 humanitarian groups, including Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières, have issued a joint statement pressing Israel to stop its restrictive measures on aid to Gaza. With thousands reliant on humanitarian support, many organizations face increased limitations that hinder their ability to provide necessary resources, leading to severe consequences for vulnerable populations.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, a coalition of over 100 organizations has urged Israel to halt the "weaponization of aid" that is exacerbating conditions for civilians. Prominent groups such as Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) report that they have encountered increasing restrictions, with claims of being "not authorized" to deliver aid unless they adhere strictly to Israeli regulations. The situation has become increasingly dire, as starvation deepens in the region.

The joint letter from these humanitarian groups highlights that since new regulatory guidelines were instituted in March, many international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been unable to deliver lifesaving supplies. For instance, over 60 aid requests were denied in July alone, effectively leaving hospitals without essential medical supplies, and critically affecting vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Sean Carroll, CEO of American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), condemned the blockage of over $7 million worth of vital supplies ready for transport.

Israel, however, maintains that the guidelines, intended to align humanitarian work with the country's "national interests," do not inhibit aid delivery. Israeli officials assert that organizations perceived as delegitimizing the state or tied to hostile activity risk losing their operating status. Israel's Diaspora Minister, Amichai Chikli, emphasized that only organizations without connections to violence or the boycott movement would be permitted to operate freely.

In the face of these realities, Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam Policy Lead, criticized Israel for rejecting over $2.5 million in goods intended for Gaza, signifying the broader implications for NGO autonomy and independence in their humanitarian efforts. As the Israeli bombardments increase in intensity, the humanitarian landscape grows bleaker, with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—backed by Israel and the US—set to provide aid outside combat zones, although many remain skeptical of its efficacy.

Furthermore, the continuing conflict has been deadly, with reports indicating that the figures for those suffering from starvation are steadily rising amid the ongoing military operations. Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa from MSF described the situation as one where "militarized food distribution has weaponized starvation," with MSF's secretary-general labeling GHF sites as “death traps.” The humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain critical, necessitating immediate attention from the international community to prevent further catastrophe.