Israel bars some aid workers from Gaza

Israel has barred entry to some foreign medical and humanitarian staff and ordered 37 international NGOs to halt operations unless they register staff details with Israeli authorities. Israeli officials said about 23 groups agreed to the new rules and NGOs were given 60 days to conclude operations.

Israeli authorities said they have barred entry to some foreign medical and humanitarian staff to Gaza and instructed 37 international non-governmental organisations to halt operations unless they register staff details and meet new rules. The diaspora ministry manages the registration and said the entry of foreign personnel for those organisations is not approved while the process is underway. Some groups reported their international staff were refused entry this week, and Israeli officials said about 23 organisations agreed to the new requirements. U.N.-linked coordination bodies reported that the registered groups could meet only a portion of the humanitarian needs in Gaza. Key points: - Israeli authorities announced the measures and said organisations must register employee details with the diaspora ministry to continue operations. - The government stated the affected NGOs have 60 days to conclude operations unless they comply with the registration rules. - Several major international groups, including Médicins Sans Frontières and others, reported foreign staff were refused entry this week. - A U.N.-led coordination body said the organisations that have registered would still be able to meet only a fraction of the required humanitarian response. Summary: The reported measures affect entry of international aid staff and have resulted in some organisations being denied access while others have agreed to register. Some NGOs are weighing whether to comply in order to continue services; the organisations were given 60 days to conclude operations. Undetermined at this time.