Israel's Supreme Court Blocks Government Ban on Humanitarian Organizations Working in Gaza

The decision by Israel's Supreme Court marks a significant turn in the escalating dispute between the government and the international community. The judges sided with petitions filed by humanitarian groups, arguing that the sudden exclusion of foreign specialists would lead to catastrophic consequences for civilians trapped in the conflict zone. The government's plan involved not renewing visas and special work permits, which would de facto force entities like Doctors Without Borders to immediately evacuate their medical and logistical staff. Representatives of the organizations emphasize that their presence is essential for the functioning of the remnants of the healthcare system in the enclave, which is on the brink of total paralysis. The court's verdict freezes these restrictions, giving lawyers time to substantively examine the legality of the eviction order, although the judges noted that this activity may only continue partially. Parallel to the legal battle, the Israeli agency COGAT announced the complete closure of border crossings connecting Israel with the Gaza Strip. This blockade now includes not only commercial goods deliveries but also the movement of personnel employed in the humanitarian sector. This action is widely perceived by observers as an attempt to effectively circumvent the court's decision by physically preventing staff rotation. This situation is sparking growing opposition on the international stage, manifested, among other things, by protests from medical personnel in Europe. Numerous solidarity demonstrations with workers of missions in Gaza took place in Potsdam, Germany, and Udine, Italy, where demands were made for the establishment of permanent humanitarian staff and safety corridors. Israel's Supreme Court traditionally plays the role of a safety valve checking the conformity of government actions with fundamental rights, which since 2023 has made it a primary target of attacks from supporters of judicial reform limiting judicial sovereignty.„These restrictions have direct, lethal consequences for the patients we care for every day.” — Representative of Doctors Without BordersIn a political context, the case takes on a global dimension, touching on issues of freedom of speech in Western countries. Prominent figures from the cultural world have spoken out, including Susan Sarandon, who publicly accused the American film industry of censorship and systemic exclusion from professional projects due to her pro-Palestinian views. The actress claims that repression affects anyone who loudly calls for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, in Hamburg, German emergency services, involving over 300 officers, conducted large-scale disaster medicine exercises. Although officially routine, the media links them to the general increase in tension in Europe resulting from the protracted crisis in the Middle East.