Cyprus Times

UN Chief Calls on Israel to Reverse Ban on NGOs in Gaza

Published January 3, 2026, 06:00
UN Chief Calls on Israel to Reverse Ban on NGOs in Gaza

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over Israel's decision to ban access to the Gaza Strip for 37 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Guterres is calling on the Israeli government to reverse the decision, emphasizing that these organizations are essential for providing life-saving humanitarian aid. Israel's decision, citing security concerns, has raised fears of further delays in humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has suffered massive destruction after two years of war. The majority of Gaza's residents are in urgent need of shelter, medical care, and food. The NGOs affected by the ban include organizations such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Care, World Vision, and Oxfam. The Israeli government maintains that the organizations did not submit lists of their employees, as required. However, several NGOs claim that the ban is an attempt to monitor Palestinian workers, which they consider illegal. The ban currently applies only to the Gaza Strip, but there are fears of expansion to the West Bank.