Israel introduces new rules for NGOs entering Gaza

On Thursday, Israel banned foreign humanitarian and medical personnel from entering Gaza unless they register and comply with new rules. Thirty-seven international non-governmental organizations are affected.

The organizations are now deciding whether to provide Israeli authorities with information about their employees.

The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs claims that the measures are intended to prevent the misuse of aid by Palestinian armed groups. Humanitarian groups warn that sharing personal data poses a risk to the safety of their workers. They also point to the collapse of the aid system for two million people in Gaza.

Organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and the Danish Refugee Council have confirmed that their foreign employees have been denied entry. According to humanitarian workers, without key personnel and bank transfers, it will not be possible to pay local employees or continue operating field hospitals and nutrition programs.

Israel claims that 23 organizations have already accepted the new rules. However, according to the UN, these groups can only cover a fraction of the needs.

(reuters, max)