EU commissioner warns Israel against blocking NGOs in Gaza, says it would halt lifesaving aid

EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib warned on Wednesday that Israel’s proposed blocking of international non‑governmental organizations in Gaza would equate to blocking lifesaving humanitarian aid. In a post on X, Lahbib stated, “Israel’s plans to block INGOs in Gaza means blocking life‑saving aid. The EU has been clear: the NGO registration law cannot be implemented in its current form.”

Call to Uphold International Humanitarian Law

Lahbib emphasized that “all barriers to humanitarian access must be lifted” and underscored that international humanitarian law “leaves no room for doubt: aid must reach those in need.” Her comments reflect growing EU concern over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli restrictions on crossings have persisted despite a ceasefire that took effect in October.

Humanitarian Crisis Continues

Although fighting has largely halted, Israel continues to keep Gaza’s crossings mostly closed, preventing the entry of mobile homes, reconstruction materials, and sufficient humanitarian supplies. Palestinian officials report that at least 414 people have been killed in Gaza since the truce began, with over 2 million residents facing severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and shelter.