August M
International concern is mounting over access to humanitarian assistance in Gaza, as new administrative rules come into force at the start of the year. Governments and aid agencies warn the measures could worsen an already severe crisis affecting civilians.
The debate unfolds as foreign ministers raise alarms over conditions on the ground and aid organizations assess whether they can continue operating.
Mounting humanitarian strain
According to DR News, foreign ministers from several countries, have voiced serious concern about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
An estimated 1.3 million people are homeless, the healthcare system is partly collapsed, and large numbers are exposed to floods that threaten health.
These warnings coincide with new Israeli registration requirements for international aid organizations, which took effect at midnight. Aid groups say the rules could limit the delivery of emergency assistance to Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The concern has been amplified by reports from humanitarian actors that winter conditions are increasing risks, particularly for children and vulnerable people.
New registration rules
Under the new system, international NGOs must renew their registration with Israeli authorities to continue sending staff and aid. Israel set a December 31 deadline and requires organizations to submit lists of their employees’ names for approval.
Israeli authorities say the rules are meant to prevent Hamas from exploiting humanitarian aid. However, several organizations argue that sharing personal data could endanger staff, especially given previous attacks on aid workers in Gaza.
Reuters reported that dozens of organizations risk being deregistered within 60 days if they fail to meet the criteria, potentially forcing closures or severe restrictions on their work.
Aid groups warn of impact
Doctors Without Borders told Reuters it expects to be excluded from Gaza after failing to meet the deadline. “If Doctors Without Borders is prevented from working in Gaza, it will deprive hundreds of thousands of people of access to medical care,” the organization said.
Save the Children is among those already denied re-registration. The group said it would no longer be able to send international staff or emergency aid into Gaza and the West Bank, citing recent reports of infants dying from hypothermia.
“In conflict zones, it is children who suffer the most,” said Ahmad Alhendawi, the organization’s regional director, warning that the rules “will have serious consequences for access to essential and basic services and put lives at acute risk”.
Diplomatic pressure
Israel’s defense ministry body Cogat said more than 4,200 aid trucks would still be allowed into Gaza each week through the UN, donor countries and re-registered organizations.
Sources: DR News, Reuters
