Twenty governments, including 18 European nations, Australia, and Japan, oppose new Israeli registration rules for humanitarian organizations, warning they could significantly hamper aid efforts in Gaza and the West Bank.
The opposition from a coalition of nations and new UK sanctions highlight international pressure on Israel regarding its treatment of Palestinian territories and humanitarian access, potentially escalating diplomatic tensions and impacting aid delivery.
Twenty governments, including 18 European nations, Australia, and Japan, have expressed concern over new Israeli registration requirements for humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, warning that the measures could significantly hamper aid efforts.
In a joint statement, the 20 nations stated that the regulations would severely restrict the ability of aid groups to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, noting that most of Gaza’s population continues to rely on life-saving assistance. The statement followed a ruling by Israel’s highest court that upheld the measures, which have led to dozens of organizations being barred from operating after refusing to provide detailed information about their Palestinian and international staff. The countries jointly urged Israel not to implement the law in its current form.
Separately, Britain added seven new designations under its global human rights sanctions regime, targeting individuals and entities involved with Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. These measures will also include a non-binding recommendation on trade with Israeli settlements, with some other countries expected to join Britain in new sanctions.