Palestinian church body urges global churches to protect Gaza aid work

A leading Palestinian church committee has issued an urgent appeal to churches worldwide to intervene in protecting humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip, condemning recent Israeli restrictions as a systematic attack on relief work. Ramzi Khoury, head of the Palestinian Presidential Higher Committee for Church Affairs, described Israel's move to cancel the registrations of numerous international organizations as a "highly dangerous development" that targets the core of humanitarian and church missions.

Context of Israeli Restrictions

The appeal follows the Israeli government's decision to revoke the registrations of dozens of international non-governmental organizations, demanding they cease operations by March for refusing to submit employee lists and comply with new security procedures. Khoury warned that this represents "a systematic attempt to criminalize relief itself" at a time when hundreds of aid trucks are needed daily. He stressed that silence in the face of such measures amounts to "moral abandonment" and a violation of international humanitarian law.

Call for Action and Broader Crisis

Khoury urged churches globally to take a clear ecclesiastical stance against the banning of NGOs, exert moral and international pressure to open crossings, and ensure adequate aid reaches Gaza. The restrictions exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel's military campaign, which has killed over 71,400 Palestinians, injured more than 171,000, and left the enclave in ruins. About 1.5 million people remain displaced under a longstanding blockade, with the UN estimating reconstruction costs at $70 billion. These measures also violate the ceasefire agreement that took effect in October.