New york: UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Israel to reverse its decision to prevent several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Secretary-General’s Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that Guterres expressed significant concern regarding the Israeli authorities’ recent announcement to suspend the activities of several international non-governmental organizations in the occupied Palestinian territory. Guterres urged for the reversal of this measure.

Dujarric emphasized the critical role these international organizations play in carrying out essential humanitarian work. The suspension of their activities could potentially undermine the fragile progress achieved during the ceasefire in Gaza. The spokesperson highlighted that this announcement adds to previous restrictions, which have already delayed the entry of vital food, medical supplies, hygiene kits, and shelter materials into Gaza.

Israel confirmed on Th
ursday that it would bar 37 major international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip. The organizations affected include prominent groups such as Doctors Without Borders, the Norwegian Refugee Council, CARE, World Vision, and Oxfam. Israel justified the ban by stating that these organizations failed to provide a list of their staff, a requirement now officially mandated for security reasons.

The Spokesperson expressed concerns over potential further delays in delivering aid to Gaza, which has been severely impacted by two years of conflict. The majority of the population in Gaza urgently requires shelter, healthcare, and food.