Aid groups seeking to operate in Gaza castigate ‘politicized’ Israeli vetting process

A statement signed by dozens of aid groups claims that Israel is refusing to let a number of international NGOs distribute aid in Gaza, leaving millions of dollars worth of food and other assistance sitting in warehouses and putting future aid operations at risk.

The statement blames a set of what it describes as onerous registration requirements put in place by the Defense Ministry in March, claiming that the procedure is motivated by politics, unlawful and dangerous.

“Under these new rules, registration can be denied on the basis of vague and politicized criteria, such as alleged ‘delegitimization’ of the state of Israel,” the statement reads.

According to COGAT, the Defense Ministry body coordinating the entry of humanitarian goods and workers into the Strip, groups wishing to operate in Gaza must formally register with the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, submitting lists of employees for security screenings, among other requirements.

The aid group statement claims that applicants must provide sensitive information about employees, as well as lists of private donors, warning that ” NGOs have no guarantees that handing over such information would not put staff at further risk, or be used to advance the government of Israel’s stated military and political aims.”

According to the groups, those who haven’t registered have been told they may be forced to shut down operations in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem within 60 days. It alleges that the process is designed to push out internationally recognized aid groups in favor of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and airdrops of aid parcels.

In response, COGAT says the registration requirement is designed to “safeguard the integrity of the humanitarian system while preventing the infiltration of terrorist elements into the aid mechanism.”

“The refusal of some international organizations to provide the information and cooperate with the registration process raises serious concerns about their true intentions and the possibility of ties between the organization or its employees and Hamas,” a COGAT statement reads.

According to COGAT, 20 groups have complied with requirements and are bringing in aid every day.