Occupied Jerusalem, Feb. 27 (SANA) – Dozens of international aid workers left Gaza on Thursday after Israeli occupation moved to bar 37 humanitarian organizations from operating in the territory, a decision that has triggered warnings over the impact on essential services for Palestinians.
Humanitarian agencies say the restrictions on work permits and residency could sharply reduce the presence of groups providing health care, relief, protection and education across Gaza and the West Bank, affecting thousands of beneficiaries.
Médecins Sans Frontières said it would continue emergency and surgical operations but warned that further limits on staff or supplies would worsen Gaza’s already severe health crisis. Palestinian civil‑society networks also cautioned that the withdrawal of organizations would leave major gaps in basic services amid rising poverty and unemployment.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called sustained humanitarian support “essential” and urged that relief work not be hindered by administrative measures. Regional and international actors, including the Arab League and the UN Secretary‑General, expressed concern over the restrictions and stressed the need for unhindered aid access.
Humanitarian experts warn that the departure of 37 organizations could halt mobile clinics, psychosocial support, water and sanitation projects, and programs for vulnerable groups, leaving local NGOs unable to fully absorb the operational and financial burden.
