Israel bans six medical aid groups from entering Gaza

Israel has banned six medical aid groups from entering Gaza to help Palestinian patients in the enclave, according to an announcement on Friday from the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians.

The six groups have collectively treated over 15,000 patients since October 2023.

“This is a death sentence for thousands of patients in Gaza,” ICJP’s statement said.

They groups received a notice about the ban from the World Health Organisation, which received the order from Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat).

“The reasons behind Israel’s order remain unclear; no information has been provided on the reason or process behind the order to halt life-saving medical missions to Gaza,” the groups said in a statement.

In addition to obstructing the operation of field hospitals throughout Gaza, banning the medical groups will also hinder efforts at getting medical supplies into the Strip, as they helped coordinate the deliveries of these supplies.