UN Warns Aid Work in Gaza Could Collapse Due to Israeli Restrictions

Post by : Saif Nasser

The United Nations and hundreds of humanitarian aid groups have raised serious concerns that life-saving work in Gaza could soon come to a halt. They warn that new restrictions imposed by Israel may force many international aid organizations to shut down their operations, leaving millions of Palestinians without basic support.

In a joint statement released this week, the UN and more than 200 local and international aid agencies said the situation is becoming dangerous. They described Israel’s aid registration process as unclear, unpredictable, and heavily influenced by politics. According to them, this process threatens the ability of aid groups to continue working in Gaza and other Palestinian areas.

Many international aid organizations are now facing possible de-registration by December 31. If that happens, they will be required to stop their activities within 60 days. Aid groups say this would have devastating effects because they run or support most of Gaza’s field hospitals, health clinics, emergency shelters, clean water systems, and food and nutrition programs for children.

The statement warned that without these groups, access to basic services such as healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and emergency shelter would sharply decline. Children suffering from severe malnutrition and families displaced by fighting would be among the worst affected.

Aid agencies also said that the re-registration process has already slowed down their work. Large amounts of food, medicine, hygiene supplies, and shelter materials are reportedly stuck outside Gaza and cannot be delivered. These supplies are urgently needed but remain out of reach because of what aid groups describe as arbitrary restrictions.

Israel says it is following its obligations under the current ceasefire and aid agreement linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan. A fragile ceasefire began in October after two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Under the agreement, Hamas released hostages, Israel freed Palestinian detainees, and more aid was allowed into Gaza.

However, aid agencies and Hamas claim that the number of aid trucks entering Gaza is still far below what was promised. They also say many essential items continue to be blocked. Israel has denied these claims, insisting it is allowing enough aid and following the terms of the truce.

The UN has stressed that it cannot replace the work done by international aid organizations if they are forced to leave. It warned that humanitarian assistance cannot be handled by groups that do not follow neutral and independent aid principles.

In strong words, the joint statement said that humanitarian access should never be treated as optional or political. It added that lifesaving aid must be allowed to reach Palestinians without further delay, warning that failure to act could lead to a complete breakdown of humanitarian support in Gaza.