Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens as Israel tightens grip on aid groups.
The Israeli government has banned 37 humanitarian organizations from operating in Gaza, but thousands of staff members are still distributing food and supplies amidst a complete blockade. The ban comes after the government demanded that banned aid groups provide lists of staff members and funding information, despite expressing concern over staff safety. Many have already been killed by Israeli forces while working for these organizations.
Israel has effectively shut down the flow of aid to Gaza, with many hospitals in the territory now operating at just a fraction of capacity. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is trying to fill this gap, but its efforts are being hindered by the Israeli government's refusal to provide clear answers about the ban.
"We have engaged in the registration process in good faith and made efforts to respond to the requirements communicated to us," said MSF Emergency Coordinator Claire Nicolet. "But we did not receive a response to our requests, and forcing us to leave would deprive hundreds of thousands of people of essential medical care."
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread food shortages, a hollowed-out medical system, and continued airstrikes that have left the territory's inhabitants near completely reliant on outside aid. The ban on humanitarian organizations is seen as an attempt by Israel to choke off the flow of operations while maintaining a veneer of legitimacy.
"Aid getting through is certainly better now than it was in June and July," said one aid worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "But we are still far below the norm, and the volume of requests versus the number approved is an indicator that this is not being facilitated well."
As winter sets in and rain pounds Gaza, the risks of respiratory disease are increasing, making the humanitarian crisis even more dire. The bureaucratic management of violence in Israel's war on Gaza is just as deadly as the bombs and tank fire it seems to be avoiding.
The international community has been critical of Israel's actions, with many calling for an end to the blockade and a reversal of the ban on humanitarian organizations. But for those already living in Gaza, the situation remains bleak, and the future looks increasingly uncertain.
The Israeli government has banned 37 humanitarian organizations from operating in Gaza, but thousands of staff members are still distributing food and supplies amidst a complete blockade. The ban comes after the government demanded that banned aid groups provide lists of staff members and funding information, despite expressing concern over staff safety. Many have already been killed by Israeli forces while working for these organizations.
Israel has effectively shut down the flow of aid to Gaza, with many hospitals in the territory now operating at just a fraction of capacity. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is trying to fill this gap, but its efforts are being hindered by the Israeli government's refusal to provide clear answers about the ban.
"We have engaged in the registration process in good faith and made efforts to respond to the requirements communicated to us," said MSF Emergency Coordinator Claire Nicolet. "But we did not receive a response to our requests, and forcing us to leave would deprive hundreds of thousands of people of essential medical care."
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread food shortages, a hollowed-out medical system, and continued airstrikes that have left the territory's inhabitants near completely reliant on outside aid. The ban on humanitarian organizations is seen as an attempt by Israel to choke off the flow of operations while maintaining a veneer of legitimacy.
"Aid getting through is certainly better now than it was in June and July," said one aid worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "But we are still far below the norm, and the volume of requests versus the number approved is an indicator that this is not being facilitated well."
As winter sets in and rain pounds Gaza, the risks of respiratory disease are increasing, making the humanitarian crisis even more dire. The bureaucratic management of violence in Israel's war on Gaza is just as deadly as the bombs and tank fire it seems to be avoiding.
The international community has been critical of Israel's actions, with many calling for an end to the blockade and a reversal of the ban on humanitarian organizations. But for those already living in Gaza, the situation remains bleak, and the future looks increasingly uncertain.