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Humanitarian aid

Restrictions on Humanitarian Aid in Gaza: A Grave Violation of International Law

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A ceasefire was welcomed in Gaza, but reports of renewed violations and restrictions on humanitarian aid access highlight its fragility. The Israeli authorities have been arbitrarily rejecting shipments of life-saving assistance into Gaza, with 94% of all rejections given to INGOs. Three-quarters of these denials were issued on the grounds that organizations are "not authorized" to deliver humanitarian aid, despite having long-standing registration and permission to operate. This targeted exclusion is a clear indication that Israeli authorities are continuing to restrict and politicize aid in breach of the ceasefire agreement and international law.

Key Takeaways:

  • Between 10 and 21 October 2025, 17 INGOs had urgent shipments of aid, including water, food, tents, and medical supplies, denied entry into Gaza, with 94% of all rejections given to INGOs.
  • Three-quarters of these denials were issued on the grounds that organizations are "not authorized" to deliver humanitarian aid, despite having long-standing registration and permission to operate.
  • As of the end of September, three in four of the approval requests Israel has rejected were submitted by INGOs, with the new INGO registration system introduced in March accelerating rejections.
  • Aid denied by Israeli authorities includes tents and tarpaulins, blankets, mattresses, food and nutrition supplies, hygiene kits, sanitation materials, assistive devices, and children's clothing.
  • Almost $50 million worth of essential goods from operational INGOs remain stockpiled at crossings and warehouses, unable to reach those in need.
  • Palestinians in Gaza are bracing for winter, many in makeshift shelters without insulation, heating, clean water, or toilet facilities, with time running out for immediate, unimpeded access to aid.
  • The restrictions are depriving Palestinians from lifesaving aid and undermining coordination of the response system in Gaza that relies on collaboration between local organizations, national institutions, UN agencies, and international NGOs.

Statistics:

  • 94% of all rejections by Israeli authorities were given to INGOs.
  • 3/4 of the approval requests Israel has rejected were submitted by INGOs.
  • 99 requests by international NGOs to deliver aid into Gaza were rejected between 10 and 21 October.
  • Six requests submitted by the UN agencies were denied during the same period.
  • $50 million worth of essential goods remain stockpiled at crossings and warehouses unable to reach those in need.

Sources:

  • Oxfam and 41 other organizations operating on the ground in Gaza
  • Action Against Hunger (ACF)
  • ActionAid International
  • American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
  • CESVI Fondazione -- ETS CISS -- Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud
  • Diakonia
  • Finn Church Aid
  • Glia
  • HEKS/EPER(Swiss Church Aid)
  • HelpAge International
  • Humanity & Inclusion -- Handicap International
  • Humanity First UK
  • IDEALS
  • Islamic Relief Worldwide
  • Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
  • Médecins du Monde International Network (MdM)
  • Médecins Sans Frontieres
  • Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
  • Medico International
  • Mennonite Central Committee
  • NORWAC-Norwegian Aid Committee
  • Norwegian Church Aid
  • Norwegian People's Aid
  • Norwegian Refugee Council
  • Palestinian Medical Relief Society
  • People in Need
  • Plan International
  • Premiere Urgence Internationale
  • Secours Islamique France (SIF)
  • Terre des Hommes Italy
  • The Center for Mind Body Medicine -- CMBM
  • The Middle East Children's Alliance
  • War Child Alliance
  • Welthungerhilfe

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