UN Secretary General António Guterres has urged Israeli authorities to reverse the decision, saying it comes at a moment when civilians are struggling to meet even their most basic needs.
In a statement released on Friday, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the announcement follows a series of restrictions that have already slowed the delivery of food, medical supplies, clean water materials, and shelter support to Gaza. He stressed that aid routes were already under strain, and this latest step adds another heavy burden.
‘This decision risks making a bad situation worse,’ the spokesperson said, noting that humanitarian organizations are often the last line of support for families caught in conflict.
The United Nations warned that limiting NGO operations could further worsen the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where living conditions are described as extremely fragile and resources are stretched thin.
According to the UN, aid agencies play a vital role not only in delivering supplies but also in keeping basic services running. Any disruption, even temporary, can quickly ripple through communities that rely on daily assistance to survive.
The Secretary-General emphasized that humanitarian work should not be obstructed and called for an immediate review of the suspension. He added that protecting civilian life and ensuring access to aid must remain a shared responsibility under international law.
As tensions continue and needs keep growing, the UN’s message is clear: humanitarian space must be protected, and decisions taken now will have lasting consequences for people already living on the edge.
