Over 100 NGOs Urge Israel to Halt "Weaponisation of Aid" in Gaza

A joint letter from over 100 humanitarian groups, including Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières, has called on Israel to cease the "weaponisation of aid" in Gaza. They assert that new regulations prevent lifesaving humanitarian aid from reaching those in need amid rising starvation rates, with Israeli officials denying these claims, emphasizing they ensure relief aligns with national interests.

More than 100 organizations have signed a joint letter urging Israel to stop the "weaponisation of aid" in Gaza, as reports of deepening starvation surface. Humanitarian groups, including Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have stated that they are frequently denied authorization to deliver aid unless they comply with stringent Israeli regulations. These organizations face the risk of being banned if they are perceived to "delegitimise" the state of Israel or fail to provide exhaustive information about their Palestinian staff.

Israel has refuted claims of aid restrictions, asserting that rules established in March are necessary to ensure that relief efforts abide by the country’s "national interests." The coalition of humanitarian organizations noted that major NGOs have not been allowed to deliver any lifesaving supplies since March 2, with over 60 aid requests denied in July. The prohibition has resulted in dire consequences, leaving hospitals devoid of essential supplies and leading to death from hunger and preventable illnesses among vulnerable populations.

Sean Carroll, CEO of American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), indicated that they currently have $7 million worth of lifesaving supplies, including enough rice for six million meals, blocked at Ashdod port, only a few kilometers from Gaza. The updated guidelines from March stipulate how aid organizations should register to operate within Israel and outline the grounds for application rejections or revocation of registration.

According to Israeli authorities, registration can be declined if the organization is seen as undermining the democratic essence of Israel or promoting campaigns of delegitimization. Israel’s Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli claimed some NGOs misuse their position to engage in hostile activities. He asserted that those with no ties to violence would be permitted to work.

Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam Policy Lead, reported that Israel had rejected over $2.5 million worth of goods intended for Gaza, emphasizing that the registration process compromises the independence of international NGOs and their ability to advocate for those in need. Amidst increasing military actions in Gaza City, Israel insists it will deliver humanitarian aid outside combat zones but has not clarified whether it would utilize the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) for distribution.

The Israeli government contends that the system is necessary to prevent Hamas from misappropriating aid. However, accusations from Hamas denying such claims continue to escalate tensions. As highlighted by Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza, the military-controlled distribution of food has "weaponised starvation." Amid ongoing hostilities, the humanitarian situation in Gaza reportedly hangs by a thread with significant loss of life. The current conflict has seen nearly 62,000 Palestinian fatalities attributed to Israel's military offensives.