UN(The COW News Digital)The United Nations has called on Israel to remove restrictions imposed on international humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank, warning that such measures could severely hinder life-saving relief efforts in the region.
According to global media reports, several UN agencies and international humanitarian bodies issued a joint statement emphasizing the critical role these organizations play in delivering aid to vulnerable populations. The statement noted that international relief organizations receive nearly one billion dollars annually to support essential programs in areas affected by conflict and hardship.
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The joint statement highlighted the growing challenges facing residents of Gaza and the West Bank, particularly with the onset of winter, rising food insecurity, and urgent humanitarian needs. It warned that imposing restrictions on aid organizations could undermine the fragile gains achieved through recent ceasefire arrangements and exacerbate suffering among children, women, and other vulnerable groups.
The UN and partner agencies stressed that access to humanitarian aid is not optional and should not be subjected to political conditions or administrative barriers. “Humanitarian assistance is a legal obligation under international law and a fundamental requirement for protecting human rights,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by several high-ranking officials, including UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, International Organization for Migration Director-General Amy Pope, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, UNDP Administrator Alexander de Croo, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Reports indicate that Israel had planned to impose restrictions on dozens of international humanitarian organizations in Gaza and the West Bank starting January 1, 2026. The restrictions reportedly stem from allegations that these organizations have failed to comply with Israeli registration requirements.
UN officials and humanitarian agencies expressed deep concern over the potential impact of these measures. They warned that limiting access for aid workers could delay crucial food distribution, medical services, and other support, putting lives at risk.
The UN emphasized that cooperation with local and international aid organizations is essential to addressing urgent humanitarian needs, particularly during periods of heightened vulnerability. Agencies urged Israel to reconsider the restrictions to ensure that humanitarian operations can continue uninterrupted and that affected communities receive timely assistance.
The appeal from the UN highlights the growing tension between humanitarian obligations and administrative regulations, underscoring the importance of international support in conflict-affected regions.
