The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is deeply concerned that international aid organisations have been ordered by Israeli authorities to cease operations in Palestine by the end of February under revised Israeli registration requirements. This comes at a moment when humanitarian needs in Gaza remain extreme and families are heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance. These new restrictions jeopardise the ability of organisations to deliver essential food assistance, maintain hospital operations, and treat children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.  

“ACFID’s members have continued to provide humanitarian assistance and are prepared to further expand and deliver critical humanitarian support, but Israeli restrictions are impacting their ability to reach people in need. The imminent deadline related to the deregistration of INGOs imposed by Israel is a new and highly concerning impediment that will undoubtedly limit the flow of aid. Efforts to block the delivery of humanitarian access need to end,” Mr Maury said. 

These new constraints on INGO operations would restrict a number of organisations from working in Palestine and would have dire consequences for civilians who rely on aid to survive. 

“Cutting off internationally respected aid organisations will push already fragile humanitarian systems to breaking point,” continued Mr Maury. 

In addition to longstanding challenges to entering Gaza, humanitarian agencies are reporting supplies being blocked, visas denied to international staff, and escalating operational barriers, further limiting their ability to respond. 

With the threat of enforced shutdowns approaching, several humanitarian groups have petitioned Israel’s High Court in an effort to prevent the shutdown, stressing that halting their operations now would place civilians at immediate and serious risk. 

“Australia has consistently advocated for international humanitarian law and civilian protection. We urge the Australian Government to maintain and elevate this pressure,” concluded Mr Maury.  

ACFID continues to call on the Australian Government to use all available diplomatic means to protect the ability of NGOs to work safely and within legal frameworks in Gaza and the West Bank. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at  [email protected]  or call 0401 721 064.