News|United NationsUN chief Guterres calls on Israel to reverse NGO ban in Gaza, West BankGuterres says pending ban targets groups ‘indispensable to life-saving’ work, undermines ceasefire progress.
## Overview of NGO Ban in Gaza and the West Bank
Overview of NGO Ban in Gaza and the West Bank
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has urged Israel to reconsider a forthcoming ban on 37 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Gaza and the West Bank. According to spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres emphasized that these organizations are crucial for humanitarian efforts, and their suspension could undermine progress achieved during recent ceasefires.
Israel has introduced new registration requirements for aid organizations working in the occupied territories. These include the submission of detailed information about their staff, funding, and operations. Non-compliance with these requirements will result in the enforcement of the ban starting March 1.
Several organizations, including various chapters of Doctors Without Borders, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the International Rescue Committee, are affected by this ban. Humanitarian experts have criticized the registration demands as arbitrary and potentially harmful to humanitarian principles, noting that sharing personal information about Palestinian employees could pose risks to their safety.
The NGO ban compounds existing restrictions that have delayed the entry of essential supplies into Gaza, such as food, medical equipment, and shelter materials. This situation exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has urged Israel to reconsider a forthcoming ban on 37 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Gaza and the West Bank.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, approximately 71,271 Palestinians and 500 aid workers have been killed in Gaza. Nearly the entire population of Gaza has been displaced, with many residing in temporary shelters.
The foreign ministers of Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Pakistan, and Indonesia have expressed concerns about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza. They have called on the international community to urge Israel to lift restrictions on the entry of necessary supplies, including tents, medical aid, and sanitation support.
According to the UN, ongoing limitations hinder the provision of adequate shelter and protection for displaced individuals, especially during severe winter conditions.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to the affected regions.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
