A group of more than 20 countries and international partners on Monday voiced deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, warning that a new Israeli law regulating the registration of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) could significantly hamper aid operations in the Palestinian territories.
In a joint statement, the signatories said humanitarian assistance entering Gaza remains “largely insufficient” in both quantity and quality, while nearly the entire population continues to rely on life-saving aid and essential services.
The countries also expressed concern over a recent decision by Israel’s High Court to reject an appeal against the registration law affecting INGOs, saying the measure could severely restrict the ability of humanitarian organizations to operate in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
“We again strongly urge Israel to not implement the registration law in its current form,” the statement said.
The signatories noted that international aid organizations work alongside Palestinian civil society groups and United Nations agencies to provide critical services, including healthcare, water and sanitation, education, nutrition assistance and demining activities.
They said the registration law forms part of a broader pattern of restrictions affecting humanitarian operations, citing limited border crossing hours, restrictions on goods classified as dual-use items and other bureaucratic obstacles that impede relief efforts.
While acknowledging Israel’s security concerns, the countries called on Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the safe, rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The statement stressed that all internationally recognized humanitarian organizations, including INGOs, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and U.N. agencies such as UNRWA, should be able to operate without obstruction.
The joint statement was signed by Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.