Statement by 19 Israel-Based Human Rights Organizations on the Deregistration of INGOs We, the undersigned Israel-based human rights organizations united under The Platform, strongly condemn Israel’s decision to deregister international humanitarian organizations operating in the occupied Palestinian territory. At a time of critical need in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, these measures further restrict access to life-saving assistance.
In parallel with, and as part of, Israel’s assault on the people of Gaza, humanitarian access has been severely constrained since October2023. Despite the ceasefire, essential aid—including food, medicine, shelter, and hygiene items—continues to be delayed or denied. The deregistration of 37 INGOs undermines principled humanitarian action, endangers staff and communities, and compromises effective aid delivery. In the West Bank, as Israeli military, institutional, and settler violence reach unprecedented levels, NGOs play a crucial role in supporting the most vulnerable communities. International humanitarian organizations are essential to reaching those most in need, supporting local partners, and ensuring accountability and transparency; blocking their work puts lives at risk.
Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to ensure adequate supplies to Palestinian civilians. Not only
is it failing to fulfil that obligation, but it is also preventing others from filling the gap.
The new registration framework violates core humanitarian principles of independence and neutrality.
Conditioning aid on political alignment, penalizing support for legal accountability, and requiring the
disclosure of sensitive personal data of Palestinian staff and their families all constitute a breach of duty of
care and expose workers to surveillance and harm. This weaponization of bureaucracy institutionalizes
barriers to aid and forces vital organizations to suspend operations.
Ensuring access to humanitarian aid is a legal obligation, not a discretionary choice. We call on the
Government of Israel to immediately halt deregistration proceedings, remove barriers to humanitarian and
human rights action, and allow international organizations to operate safely and effectively. We also urge
governments and the international community to act urgently to protect the independence of humanitarian
organizations and ensure aid reaches those who need it most.
Signed:
Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, Akevot Institute for Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Research, Association for Civil Rights in Israel, B’Tselem, Bimkom – Planning and Human Rights, Breaking the Silence, Combatants for Peace, Emek Shaveh, Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, Haqel: In Defense of Human Rights, Ir Amim, Hamoked – Center for the Defense of the Individual, Human Rights Defenders Fund, Machsom Watch – Women against the Occupation and for Human Rights, Physicians for Human Rights Israel, Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, Yesh Din, Zazim – Community Action
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