Global NGOs criticize 'Israel’s' restrictions on Gaza aid in open letter

A growing number of foreign aid organizations say they are being prevented from delivering essential supplies to Gaza due to recently enacted 'Israeli' legislation, according to a joint letter published Thursday and signed by over 100 groups, including Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders.

The letter highlights that tensions between 'Israel' and foreign-backed NGOs have long existed, with officials often criticizing the organizations for bias.

"Israeli authorities have rejected requests from dozens of NGOs to bring in lifesaving goods, citing that these organisations are 'not authorised to deliver aid'," the joint statement reads. The letter notes that at least 60 such requests were denied in July alone.

The new law, approved in March, updates the registration requirements for foreign NGOs working with Palestinians and outlines the conditions under which applications can be denied or a group’s registration revoked. Authorities may reject registration if a group is deemed to deny 'Israel’s' democratic character or "promotes delegitimisation campaigns" against the country.

"Unfortunately, many aid organisations serve as a cover for hostile and sometimes violent activity," 'Israel’s' Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli told Agence France-Presse (AFP). "Organizations that have no connection to hostile or violent activity and no ties to the boycott movement will be granted permission to operate," he added.

Aid organizations, however, argue that the law is leaving civilians without critical support.

"Our mandate is to save lives, but due to the registration restrictions civilians are being left without the food, medicine and protection they urgently need," said Jolien Veldwijk, director of CARE in the Palestinian territories. Veldwijk noted that CARE has been unable to deliver aid to Gaza since 'Israel' imposed a full blockade in March, despite a partial easing in May.

'Israel' has cited concerns over Hamas diverting aid as a reason for the restrictions. Since May, the government has relied on the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to manage food distribution.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defense agency reports ongoing chaos at distribution centers, with thousands of residents scrambling for supplies each day and some injured by gunfire from the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).