Israel's obstacles put aid operations in Gaza at risk: warning

Geneva: The United Nations and aid groups warned yesterday that humanitarian operations in Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, are at risk of collapse if Israel does not lift obstacles. These include "ambiguous, arbitrary and highly politicized" registration processes.

The United Nations and more than 200 local and international aid groups said in a joint statement that dozens of international aid groups face registration expiring by December 31, meaning they will have to shut down their operations within 60 days.

According to a report by Al-Arabiya, the statement said that "the de-registration of INGOs in Gaza will have a devastating impact on access to essential and basic services. INGOs run or support most field hospitals, primary healthcare centers, emergency shelters, water and sanitation services, nutrition stabilization centers for children suffering from severe malnutrition, and key activities related to mine action."

"Due to the current re-registration process and other arbitrary obstacles to humanitarian action, essential items worth millions of dollars, including food, medical supplies, hygiene kits, and shelters, are stuck outside Gaza and unable to reach those in need."

The Israeli mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the statement.

Hamas said that fewer aid trucks than agreed are entering Gaza. Aid agencies say that aid is far below what is needed and Israel is blocking the entry of many essential items. Israel denies this, saying it is upholding its responsibilities under the ceasefire.

The United Nations and aid groups said in the statement, "If INGO registration is terminated, the UN will not be able to compensate for their activities, and aid work cannot be replaced by alternative institutions that operate outside established humanitarian principles."

The statement emphasized, "Humanitarian access is not optional, conditional, or political. Life-saving aid must be allowed to reach Palestinians without further delay.