🚨 Breaking: Israel has activated its controversial ban on 37 humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank, defying urgent appeals from UN agencies and global aid groups. The move takes effect today as winter deepens hardships for 2.3 million residents in the besieged enclave.
What You Need to Know
📅 NGOs had 10 months to submit staff details – Wednesday’s midnight deadline passed with 37 groups non-compliant
💔 UN warns this could reverse fragile progress made during recent ceasefires
🍞 Gaza faces catastrophic food insecurity with $1B/year in aid now at risk
Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli stated: "Groups that failed transparency requirements had licenses revoked." However, critics argue the policy weaponizes bureaucracy against vital aid networks.
💡 Why it matters: Gaza’s health authorities report over 71,000 deaths and 171,000 injuries since conflict escalated in 2024. With infrastructure in ruins, NGOs provide 90% of medical care and food distribution.
Global Backlash Grows
19 UN agencies called the ban "devastating" in a joint statement, while the EU and several Asian governments expressed "grave concern". Meanwhile, TikTok activists are rallying under #SaveGazaAid – posts have garnered 12M+ views this week.
🌍 The big picture: This decision could reshape humanitarian operations across conflict zones worldwide. Stay tuned for updates as diplomatic tensions rise.
