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Israel Counters Doctors Without Borders Claims on Gaza Aid Restrictions

Israel's Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has issued a sharp rebuttal to allegations by Doctors Without Borders that it is preventing the organization from providing aid in Gaza. The agency states MSF failed to comply with a mandatory registration process, including refusing to provide a list of its employees to Israeli authorities. COGAT emphasizes the registration is designed to prevent Hamas from exploiting international aid organizations, as has occurred in the past. It further downplays MSF's operational impact, stating the group runs only five of roughly 220 medical points in Gaza and that suspending non-compliant groups will not harm overall aid volumes.

Key Points: Israel Refutes MSF Claims on Gaza Aid Blockage

  • COGAT refutes MSF aid blockade claims
  • Says MSF failed registration, didn't provide staff lists
  • Registration aims to stop Hamas exploiting aid
  • Claims affected groups provided only 1% of total aid
2 min read

Israeli Agency refutes claims made by Doctors Without Borders that it is prevented from providing aid in Gaza

Israel's COGAT states Doctors Without Borders failed to comply with registration rules aimed at stopping Hamas from diverting aid, denying it is blocking assistance.

"The organization's attempts to attribute to itself a central impact on the medical response in the Gaza Strip are inconsistent with reality - COGAT"

Tel Aviv, December 30

The Israeli agency COGAT released a statement of clarification regarding the registration of international organizations that send aid to Gaza and their non-compliance with Israeli registration requirements, following allegations made by Doctors Without Borders

COGAT stated that DWB failed to cooperate with the registration process and refused to provide Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs with a list of its employees, as required by a government decision.

"The organization's attempts to attribute to itself a central impact on the medical response in the Gaza Strip are inconsistent with reality and are not supported by data. In practice, out of approximately 220 primary care clinics and medical points operating throughout the Gaza Strip, the organization operates only five," said COGAT.

COGAT explained organizations that received notice regarding the suspension of their activities in Gaza did not bring aid into Gaza throughout the current ceasefire, and even in the past their combined contribution amounted to only about 1% of the total aid volume. Accordingly, the implementation of the government decision will not result in any future harm to the volume of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip.

The registration process, emphasized COGAT, is intended to prevent the exploitation of aid by Hamas, which in the past operated under the cover of certain international aid organizations, knowingly or unknowingly.

"Instead of launching false campaigns and attempting to intimidate the international arena regarding the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, organizations seeking to operate in Gaza should complete the registration process, operate transparently, and ensure that aid reaches the civilian population and not Hamas," said COGAT.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
COGAT makes a valid point. If an organization is operating in a conflict zone, basic transparency about its staff is not too much to ask. We've seen how aid can be misused. Rules exist for a reason. Hope DWB complies soon so their work can continue without hindrance.
A
Aman W
It's worrying to see such a stalemate. The data point about them running only 5 out of 220 clinics is surprising. Maybe their impact is more symbolic? Still, every bit of medical aid counts. Both sides need to sit down and sort this out for the sake of the people suffering.
S
Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, we understand the need for stringent checks. We face similar challenges with cross-border issues. However, the narrative of "only 1% of aid" feels like an attempt to minimize the crisis. A life saved is a life saved, percentage doesn't matter.
V
Vikram M
The statement "aid reaches the civilian population and not Hamas" is the crux of the matter. It's a difficult but necessary precaution. International NGOs sometimes operate with a sense of exceptionalism. Compliance with host nation regulations, especially during war, is non-negotiable.
K
Kriti O
While I generally support Israel's right to defend itself, this particular move seems counterproductive. Blocking a renowned medical charity looks bad on the global stage and fuels the very narrative they are trying to counter. There has to be a better way to verify staff lists without halting aid.

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