Over 100 NGOs accuse Israel of obstructing Gaza aid

Thursday 14 August 2025 - 09:00

More than 100 non-governmental organizations have accused Israel of obstructing humanitarian efforts in Gaza by enforcing a new law that severely limits the activities of foreign NGOs. The groups, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Oxfam, say the restrictions have left life-saving supplies stranded in warehouses and millions of Palestinians in urgent need.

In a joint letter released Thursday, the NGOs criticize what they call the “militarization” of aid by Israel and claim that dozens of requests to deliver food, medicine, water, and shelter have been denied since March. “Despite Israeli claims that aid can enter Gaza without restrictions, the reality is that most international NGOs have not been able to deliver a single truckload of vital supplies since March 2,” the letter states.

According to the NGOs, at least 60 aid applications were rejected in July alone.

The restrictions follow new Israeli legislation passed in March 2025, which overhauls the legal framework governing how foreign NGOs working in Palestinian territories must register and operate. The law allows authorities to reject or revoke an organization’s status if it is deemed to delegitimize Israel or deny its democratic character.

Israeli officials argue the changes are necessary for security. “Unfortunately, many aid groups act as fronts for hostile or violent activities,” said Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli. “Those with no connection to violence or boycott campaigns will receive permits to operate,” he added.

Aid blocked, civilians in danger

NGO leaders say the law is being used to suppress humanitarian work. “Our mission is to save lives, but registration restrictions are preventing us from delivering food, medicine, and protection to civilians who urgently need them,” said Jolien Veldwijk, head of CARE in the Palestinian territories.

Since May, Israel has channeled aid distribution through the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), sidelining many established NGOs. However, aid centers operated by the GHF are often overwhelmed, disorganized, and under fire. The United Nations reported that at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed since May 27—many of them while trying to access food.

Israel maintains that Hamas has long exploited aid for military purposes, but critics argue that blanket restrictions are punishing civilians. Meanwhile, trucks carrying vital supplies remain stuck in Jordan and Egypt, as the humanitarian crisis inside Gaza continues to deepen.