Sat Jan 03 01:38:57 UTC 2026: Summary:
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Israel’s ban on 37 foreign humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza, demanding its immediate reversal. The ban, effective March 1, was imposed after the NGOs refused to share lists of their Palestinian employees, citing concerns about international law and independence. The affected organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, are deemed indispensable for life-saving aid in Gaza. Guterres warns that this action will worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the destruction and displacement resulting from the recent conflict. The ban has also been denounced by Israeli left-wing NGOs who see it as a violation of core humanitarian principles.
News Article:
UN Chief Condemns Israel’s Ban on Aid Groups in Gaza
United Nations – January 3, 2026 – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s decision to ban 37 foreign humanitarian organizations from operating in the Gaza Strip. Guterres is urging Israel to reverse the ban immediately, citing concerns that it will severely exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians.
The ban, which is scheduled to take effect on March 1, was imposed after the NGOs refused to comply with a demand to share lists of their Palestinian employees with Israeli government officials. Several organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), have voiced concerns that the demand contravenes international humanitarian law and compromises their independence.
“Mr. Guterres calls for this measure to be reversed, stressing that international non-governmental organizations are indispensable to life-saving humanitarian work and that the suspension risks undermining the fragile progress made during the ceasefire,” said his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, in a statement.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, resulted in the deaths of over 70,000 people and widespread destruction of infrastructure in Gaza. According to UN data, nearly 80% of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving an estimated 1.5 million people homeless.
Eighteen Israeli left-wing NGOs have also denounced the decision, arguing that it violates core humanitarian principles of independence and neutrality. They warn that the ban will severely impede the delivery of essential aid to a population already suffering from the devastating consequences of war.
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in place since October, but the humanitarian situation remains critical. The ban on aid organizations threatens to further destabilize the region and undermine efforts to rebuild Gaza and provide assistance to its displaced population.
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