Archive · 3 Jan 2026
UN Chief Calls on Israel to Reverse NGOs Ban in Gaza
The head of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, is very worried about a decision made by Israel.
Israel has stopped 37 international organizations, called NGOs, from working in Gaza.
These NGOs help people by providing food, medicine, and other important supplies.
The UN says this decision will make it even harder for people in Gaza, who are already struggling.
The NGOs say the new rules are unfair and could put their workers in danger.
Israel says the rules are needed to stop groups that might support terrorism.
The UN wants Israel to change this decision to help the people in need.
Many buildings in Gaza have been destroyed, and a lot of people have lost their homes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over Israel's suspension of 37 NGOs in Gaza.
The suspension is expected to worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by delaying critical supplies and life-saving work.
Israel's action follows the NGOs' refusal to share lists of their Palestinian employees with government officials.
The ban includes prominent organizations like Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which has 1,200 staff members in the Palestinian territories.
The UN called for the measure to be reversed, stressing that the suspension risks undermining the fragile progress made during the ceasefire.
- Who
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Israel, and 37 suspended NGOs
- What
- Suspension of NGOs in Gaza by Israel
- When
- Announced on Friday, January 2, 2025, with the ban effective from Thursday, January 1, 2025
- Where
- Gaza Strip, occupied Palestinian territory
- Why
- Israel aims to prevent organizations accused of supporting terrorism from operating, while the UN and NGOs argue it undermines humanitarian efforts and violates international law
NGOs and International Community
Israeli Government
Purpose of the Ban
NGOs and International Community
The ban undermines humanitarian efforts and violates international law, endangering the independence of NGOs.
Israeli Government
The ban aims to prevent organizations accused of supporting terrorism from operating in the Palestinian territories.
Impact on Humanitarian Work
NGOs and International Community
The suspension will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, delaying critical supplies and life-saving work.
Israeli Government
The new regulation is necessary to ensure security and prevent the support of terrorist activities.
- UN Secretary-General
- Antonio Guterres
- Action Taken by Israel
- Suspension of 37 foreign humanitarian organizations in Gaza
- Impact
- Exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- UN's Stance
- Deep concern and call for the reversal of the measure
- Spokesman for UN Secretary-General
- Stephane Dujarric
- Number of NGOs Suspended
- 37
- Deadline for NGOs to Cease Operations
- March 1
- Number of Staff Affected (MSF)
- 1,200
- Percentage of Buildings Destroyed in Gaza
- 80%
- Number of People Displaced in Gaza
- 1.5 million