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The United Nations has raised serious concern over Israel’s reported decision to ban the operations of 37 humanitarian organisations working across Gaza and the West Bank, warning that the move could severely disrupt life-saving aid efforts and weaken already fragile ceasefire conditions in the region.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Israel to immediately reconsider and reverse the proposed ban, stressing that humanitarian agencies play an irreplaceable role in providing food, medical care, shelter, and emergency relief to civilians caught in prolonged conflict. According to UN officials, restricting these organisations would directly affect millions of vulnerable people who are already struggling with shortages of basic necessities.
The proposed ban is expected to impact international and local non-governmental organisations that have been operating in conflict-hit areas for years, often under extremely dangerous conditions. These groups support hospitals, refugee shelters, children’s welfare programs, and trauma care services. UN representatives fear that removing them would deepen the humanitarian crisis and push already strained systems to the brink of collapse.
The Secretary-General cautioned that humanitarian access must remain separate from political and military disputes. He emphasised that aid workers operate under international humanitarian law and must be allowed to carry out their missions safely and without obstruction. Any action limiting their work, he warned, risks violating international norms designed to protect civilians during armed conflict.
The timing of the proposed restrictions has also raised alarm. The UN believes the decision could undermine ongoing ceasefire efforts and destabilize an already volatile situation. Officials have stressed that confidence-building measures, including uninterrupted humanitarian assistance, are critical to maintaining calm and preventing a return to large-scale violence.
Human rights advocates within the UN system argue that banning humanitarian organisations could further isolate civilian populations and increase dependence on emergency aid systems that are already overwhelmed. They also warn that such restrictions could have long-term consequences, including increased displacement, rising malnutrition, and deterioration of public health across the region.
The United Nations has reiterated its call for all parties to prioritize civilian protection and humanitarian principles. It has urged Israel to engage in dialogue with international bodies and humanitarian partners rather than imposing sweeping restrictions that could worsen human suffering. As global attention remains focused on the region, the UN says safeguarding humanitarian operations is essential not just for immediate relief, but for any hope of long-term stability and peace.
