Israeli Supreme Court Suspends Government Order for Aid Organizations to Leave Gaza

The Israeli Supreme Court intervened at the last minute to prevent the forced expulsion of 37 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The government order, which was to take effect on March 1, 2026, involved blocking visas for foreign workers and halting logistical operations. The court's decision to suspend these restrictions is seen as a "lifeline" for the humanitarian aid system, which is on the verge of complete collapse. Security ministries had previously argued that the presence of some groups hinders military operations, but the judges ruled that a sudden halt to food and medical supplies could have catastrophic consequences. Despite the positive ruling, the situation on the ground remains dire. Representatives of the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) organization announced they will not leave Gaza regardless of political pressure. They point to bureaucratic paralysis and the fact that current operations are only possible on a limited scale. Parallel to the legal battle, in Europe – including in Potsdam and Udine – demonstrations were held by healthcare workers and activists demanding full humanitarian access to the enclave. In the background, statements from public figures resonate, such as actress Susan Sarandon, who openly criticizes attempts to censor voices calling for a ceasefire. Since the outbreak of war in October 2023, humanitarian organizations' access to the Gaza Strip has been a constant point of contention between Israel and UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations. The court's ruling is temporary, meaning the future of aid operations remains uncertain. Israeli officials have announced further legal steps, aiming for tighter control over who operates in the war zone. Meanwhile, daily reports of casualties from airstrikes, including recent information about five people killed in rocket strikes, underscore the urgent need to maintain continuity of medical support. Aid organizations fear that even without a formal ban, bureaucratic obstacles in visa issuance will de facto prevent them from continuing their work in the coming months.

Perspektywy mediów: Media focus on the violation of the right to aid and the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing solidarity with NGO workers and victims of airstrikes. Government arguments about national security and suspicions of bias among some aid organizations regarding the conflict are highlighted.