The UN has urged Israel against barring 37 international NGOs from operating in Gaza, saying that their work with UN agencies in the enclave is essential for humanitarian services.
"The UN and its partners are urging the Israeli authorities to reconsider today's announcement on international NGOs, which are an essential part of the life-saving humanitarian operation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory," the Humanitarian Country Team of the Occupied Palestinian Territory said in a statment issues yesterday.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the move, saying in a statement that "Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem."
"Israel does not want any witnesses to its crimes, nor does it want institutions that support the Palestinian people and prevent Israel from implementing its colonial project aimed at destroying the lives of the Palestinian people," the statement added.
NGOs that are set to stop work in the Gaza from 1 January include Doctors Without Borders, the International Rescue Committee and the Norwegian Refugee Council.