Gaza, Palestine – Israel has threatened to halt or restrict the work of a number of international organizations within the Gaza Strip starting in 2026, in a move that has raised widespread concerns about serious humanitarian repercussions for the residents of the Strip, who are mainly dependent on foreign aid in light of the ongoing war and blockade.
According to statements by Israeli officials, these threats come under the pretext of what Tel Aviv described as “security concerns” and accusations against some international organizations of “exceeding the nature of their humanitarian work,” accusations which those parties deny, stressing their commitment to international laws and the principles of neutrality and independence.
International aid organizations have warned that any decision to halt or reduce their activities will worsen the living and health conditions in Gaza, especially in light of the widespread collapse of infrastructure, the severe shortage of food and medicine, and the unprecedented pressure on the health sector.
In contrast, international and UN parties called for humanitarian work not to be politicized or used as a pressure tactic, demanding that the freedom of action of international organizations be guaranteed, that relief workers be protected, and that international humanitarian law be respected, especially in areas of armed conflict.
This threat comes at a time when international criticism of the conduct of the war in Gaza is increasing, amid repeated UN warnings of an imminent humanitarian catastrophe if restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid and the work of international organizations within the sector continue.
