A coalition of 20 countries and European officials has condemned growing restrictions on humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza, warning that aid delivery is being severely constrained as the territory continues to face a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, diplomats say Israel’s new legal and administrative measures risk further limiting life-saving services for nearly the entire population.
Governments warn of dire impact on aid restrictions in Gaza
The signatories expressed deep concern over what they described as an insufficient flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, where civilians remain heavily dependent on emergency relief services.
In a joint diplomatic statement, the countries said both the volume and quality of aid entering Gaza remain inadequate to meet urgent needs on the ground. They also warned that nearly the entire population now relies on life-saving humanitarian services delivered by international and local organizations.
The statement included signatories from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
Statement by the Netherlands, the UK, France, Sweden, Japan, Australia and others, on the importance of humanitarian access to Gaza. https://t.co/ZQzbGr0DkS
— Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 (@DutchMFA) June 8, 2026
The coalition specifically raised alarm over Israel’s recent court decision rejecting an appeal by international NGOs against a new registration law. According to the statement, the law could significantly restrict the ability of international aid organizations to operate across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
The signatories urged Israel not to implement the law in its current form, arguing that it would further constrain humanitarian operations at a time of extreme need.
Additionally, the statement highlighted broader operational challenges, including limited border crossing hours, restrictions on goods classified as dual-use, and administrative barriers that continue to slow humanitarian deliveries.
Aid groups face mounting pressure amid legal and operational constraints
The countries said international NGOs remain central to the humanitarian response in Gaza, working alongside Palestinian civil society organizations, the United Nations, and agencies such as UNRWA to deliver essential services.
These services include water and sanitation systems, field hospitals, nutrition support, education programs, and demining operations. The statement described these organizations as essential to both immediate relief efforts and longer-term recovery planning.
However, the coalition warned that the proposed legal framework for NGO registration could weaken the ability of these groups to function effectively. They argued that humanitarian organizations must operate independently and without obstruction to maintain access to vulnerable populations.
While acknowledging Israel’s security concerns, the signatories stressed that international humanitarian law requires the protection and facilitation of aid delivery to civilians. They stated that humanitarian access must remain unrestricted and emphasized that all recognized humanitarian actors, including NGOs, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and UN agencies, must be allowed to operate without interference.
Israel has had a torrid relationship with aid groups in the country, seizing a UNRWA compound and moving to convert it to a military installation. Meanwhile, Israel has repeatedly intercepted and detained volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to provide aid to Gaza.