A group of 22 countries along with senior European officials have expressed concern over an Israeli court decision upholding a controversial NGO registration law, warning it could significantly restrict humanitarian operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The statement, reported by Anadolu Agency, highlights growing alarm among international partners that the legislation may limit the ability of international non-governmental organizations to operate in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
In a joint declaration, the signatories said the Israeli High Court’s decision to reject an appeal from international NGOs could “affect and severely limit” their capacity to deliver essential services in the region. These services include water and sanitation, healthcare, education, nutrition, and demining support, which are considered critical for civilian survival and wellbeing.
The countries emphasized that humanitarian access must remain unrestricted, warning that aid delivery is already constrained by operational barriers such as limited border crossings, restrictions on dual-use goods, and administrative hurdles. They stressed that further limitations could worsen the humanitarian situation on the ground.
The statement urged Israel not to implement the law in its current form and called for safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. It also underlined the essential role of international NGOs, UN agencies, and Palestinian civil society organizations in responding to urgent needs across the occupied territories.
The joint message was backed by countries including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and others, along with European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib.
The signatories reiterated that humanitarian operations are not optional but essential, stating that protecting access to aid is vital for sustaining civilian life amid ongoing conflict conditions.
