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Supreme Court Freeze
The Israeli Supreme Court temporarily suspended the government's ban on 37 foreign NGOs operating in Gaza and the West Bank.
“the Israeli High Court of Justice temporarily suspended a government decision to ban the work of foreign humanitarian organizations”
The ruling came in response to a petition filed by the organizations after the government revoked their operating licenses and demanded lists of Palestinian staff.
The court stated the measure was issued without taking any position and noted a real legal dispute over privacy obligations.
Aid groups warned of catastrophic consequences for civilians.
The decision theoretically allows the organizations to continue their work until a final ruling, but questions remain about implementation.
NGO Registration Controversy
Israel's Ministry demanded NGOs disclose lists of all Palestinian and foreign staff participating in management and execution of operations.
NGOs refused, citing humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence and concerns over staff safety and European data protection laws.
Human Rights Watch criticized the registration requirements as politicizing humanitarian aid and obstructing life-saving work.
The law grants the Israeli government broad authority to refuse or cancel registration of any organization or staff member deemed a threat to public safety or state security.
The 37 affected organizations include Oxfam, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Save the Children, and Doctors Without Borders.
Humanitarian Impact
International relief organizations have long provided life-saving assistance amid heavy pressures and Israeli attacks.
“The deliberate restrictions Israel imposes on aid aimed at achieving its political or military objectives violate its obligations as an Occupying Power”
If these organizations stop operating, one in three health facilities will close immediately.
Despite a ceasefire agreement, restrictions have continued.
Israel also banned UNRWA, the largest humanitarian actor in Gaza.
The deliberate restrictions Israel imposes on aid violate its obligations as an Occupying Power and constitute a war crime when they amount to the use of starvation as a weapon.