UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern about the situation in Gaza. He called on Israel to lift the ban on humanitarian organizations.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Guterres wants the ban to be lifted. He emphasized that humanitarian organizations carry out crucial work. The ban could worsen the peace process.
Israel has blocked access to Gaza for 37 foreign humanitarian organizations. These organizations did not provide lists of Palestinian employees to Israeli officials.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is among the banned organizations. MSF has 1,200 staff in Palestine, most of them in Gaza. Organizations under the ban must cease their operations by March 1.
Many organizations say the demands are inconsistent with international law. They believe it threatens their independence.
Israel says the new rule helps prevent support for terrorism in Palestine.
18 Israeli left-wing organizations criticized the new ban. They said the new rule violates the principles of humanitarian aid.
According to UN data, 80% of Gaza's buildings have been destroyed or damaged. The infrastructure is in very poor condition.
Amjad Al-Shawa, director of Palestinian NGOs, said 1.5 million Gazans have lost their homes. The total population of Gaza is over 2 million.