Pax Christi condemns new Israeli restrictions on humanitarian work

Source: Pax Christi

Pax Christi International is among 55 international organisations that have signed a joint statement condemning Israel's new INGO registration measures, released on May 6, 2025. These rules threaten to shut down essential humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding work in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory by imposing vague, politicised criteria and invasive requirements.

The measures risk silencing advocacy based on international law, restricting aid access, and endangering humanitarian staff. They mark a serious escalation in the ongoing crackdown on humanitarian and civic space, undermining the neutrality and independence of INGOs.

We call on States, donors, and the international community to:

- Use all possible means to protect humanitarian operations from measures that compromise neutrality, independence, and access - including staff list requirements, political vetting, and vague revocation clauses.

- Take concrete political and diplomatic action beyond statements of concern to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and prevent the erosion of principled aid delivery.

-Support INGOs and Palestinian and Israeli civil society organisations through legal assistance, diplomatic support, and flexible funding to help mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks. Donors must defend principled humanitarian and human rights work.

We remain committed to peace, justice, and humanitarian principles for all.

Read the full statement: https://paxchristi.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Joint-statement-on-INGO-registration.pdf