More than 100 organizations—including prominent NGOs like Oxfam and MSF—have called on Israel to halt the "weaponization" of aid in Gaza, as stringent regulations stifle humanitarian efforts. The joint letter highlights severe deficiencies in food and medical aid, as requests for essential supplies continue to be denied.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Over 100 NGOs Demand Action Against Aid Weaponization
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Over 100 NGOs Demand Action Against Aid Weaponization
A coalition of humanitarian organizations urges Israel to cease restricting aid access to Gaza, amidst a dire starvation crisis.
More than 100 humanitarian organizations have jointly appealed for stricter measures against what they describe as the "weaponization of aid" in Gaza, as the region faces a severe starvation crisis. Among the signatories are well-known groups such as Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), who report escalating challenges in delivering critical supplies due to newly imposed regulations from Israeli authorities.
Since the introduction of these regulations in March, many international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have reportedly been barred from delivering any essential aid to the stricken region, raising alarms about the escalating humanitarian situation. The joint letter states that recent Israeli guidelines make it difficult for organizations to operate without compromising their independence.
As aid groups struggle under the weight of onerous requirements, reports reveal a shocking trend in denial of aid requests—with over 60 applications rebuffed in just the month of July. The consequences are dire, leaving hospitals deprived of crucial medical supplies while vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, suffer deepening hunger and illness.
Sean Carroll, the CEO of American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), indicated that a significant stockpile of lifesaving provisions—worth over $7 million—remains stranded just kilometers away from Gaza due to these restrictions. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, claiming that the humanitarian crisis is inflicting suffering on a vast scale.
Israel maintains that these guidelines are necessary for ensuring that aid does not fall into the hands of Hamas, a claim that has drawn condemnation from humanitarian groups. They insist that the system in place effectively stifles their ability to carry out relief efforts, with critics denouncing the militarization of humanitarian work.
Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam Policy Lead, stressed that Israel has blocked $2.5 million worth of goods intended for Gaza, raising the specter of an escalating crisis. With the region teetering on the brink of famine, experts warn that the intertwining of military objectives and aid distribution is creating a catastrophic scenario.
International bodies have noted a grave civilian toll, with extensive loss of life reported since the escalation of conflict. Reports indicate that nearly 62,000 Palestinians have died amid ongoing violence, while humanitarian leaders voice alarm over the critical need for unrestricted aid access to avert further loss of life.
As calls intensify for action against the perceived weaponization of aid, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, leaving many to wonder how long it will be before adequate assistance can reach those most in need.
