New york: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has strongly criticized Israel's decision to suspend the work of a number of humanitarian organizations, calling the move shameful and part of a pattern of unlawful restrictions on aid.
According to Qatar News Agency, Turk, in a statement issued in New York, said the decision was the latest in a series of measures limiting humanitarian access, including Israel's ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and attacks on Palestinian non-governmental organizations. He noted that these actions were taking place amid broader difficulties faced by the United Nations and other aid agencies in reaching people in need.
Turk urged all countries, particularly those with influence, to take urgent steps and insist that Israel immediately allow humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza without obstruction. He warned that what he described as arbitrary suspensions were worsening conditions for Gaza's population, who he said were already living in intolerable circumstances.
He also reminded Israel of its obligations under international law to ensure the provision of essential supplies for daily life in Gaza, including facilitating access for humanitarian aid. Separately, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners called on Israel to reconsider its announcement regarding international non-governmental organizations, saying they were an essential part of life-saving humanitarian operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Israel has announced the suspension of 37 organizations operating in Gaza, including M©decins Sans Fronti¨res (Doctors Without Borders), the Norwegian Refugee Council, the International Rescue Committee, and branches of Oxfam and Caritas.