Ban on 37 aid groups renders life unbearable for genocide survivors in Palestine, say UN experts

Israel’s suspension of dozens of associations in the occupied Palestinian territory is a flagrant violation of the law, UN experts announced on Thursday. They accused Israel of “worsening life-threatening conditions” by blocking aid, Maktoob Media reported.

“Banning life-saving organisations from operating in Gaza marks a new phase in a policy that renders life unbearable for a population already devastated by genocide,” the experts said. “This strategy will create conditions that force Palestinians into chronic deprivation, threatening their very survival as a group and further violating the Genocide Convention – it must be stopped.”

Announced as a national security measure on 30 December 2025, the new regulation bans 37 international NGOs from operating in Gaza and the West Bank. It grants Israeli authorities broad discretionary power to deny status to INGOs based on an organisation’s previous support for international legal proceedings against Israeli citizens, engagement with boycotts, or failure to characterise Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

“The ban is not an isolated act, but part of a systematic assault on humanitarian operations in the occupied Palestinian territory and another step in the deliberate dismantling of Gaza’s lifeline,” the experts said.

“Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed over 500 humanitarian workers and at least 1,500 health workers and intimidated, harassed and conducted smear campaigns targeting humanitarians. UNRWA has been the most visible target, but it is far from the only one,” the experts said.

As of 31 December 2025, nearly USD 50 million in life-saving aid remained blocked amid repeated ceasefire violations, including the expansion of Israeli forces into over half of Gaza, continued airstrikes and shelling that has killed over 400 Palestinians in under three months.

In early December, UN agencies and NGOs were only able to deliver 14,600 tents for 85,000 people, leaving 1.3 million Palestinians without adequate winter shelter. Several people, including six children have already died from hypothermia, drowning or cold-related injuries.

The experts urged States, particularly those with influence, to take immediate action to ensure unconditional entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The experts warned that other state leaders could incur responsibility if they fail to take all steps in their power to prevent further acts of genocide.