New rules from Israel could stop important help for people in Gaza and the West Bank. These rules started in March. They might stop life-saving help for many people. Aid groups worry they cannot finish the required steps by December 31.
The problem is a new way to register international aid groups. Groups that do not register might close within 60 days. This makes many aid workers worried. A group called the Humanitarian Country Team shared their concerns. This group includes UN agencies and over 200 other organizations. They said the rules are not clear and can change easily. They also said the rules are too political. Aid groups cannot meet these rules without breaking laws or important aid ideas.
About 100 aid groups have applied so far. But the process is slow and unclear. Fourteen applications were already refused. Only 21 were accepted. Many are still waiting. This slow progress makes people fear that important aid services could stop. The Humanitarian Country Team said the groups that are registered are only a small part of the aid needed in Gaza.
If aid stops, the situation would be very bad. Aid groups run most hospitals and health centers in Gaza. They also provide homes, clean water, and food for hungry children. If these groups leave, more people will suffer and many lives will be in danger.
However, Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said that if some groups leave, aid will still arrive. This is different from what aid groups on the ground believe. They think many services will be reduced. The rules seem difficult for aid groups to follow. They say they cannot meet the requirements without breaking laws or principles. The next few months are very important for these aid operations and the people who need them.