De-registering humanitarian organisations will cost lives

Jamil Sawalmeh, Country Director of ActionAid Palestine, says:

“The Israeli government’s move to de-register ActionAid and other international humanitarian organisations is a deliberate act that will carry deadly consequences. At a moment of catastrophic need, this decision would shut down lifesaving assistance for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and constitutes a clear and documented breach of Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law. 

“As the occupying power, Israel is legally required to ensure the welfare of the occupied population and to allow the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid when local resources are insufficient. This decision directly violates these obligations. 

“The impact of international humanitarian organisations is vast, and there is no doubt that this decision will cost lives. In 2025 alone, ActionAid and our partners have supported more than 634,000 people across the Occupied Palestinian Territory with food, water, shelter and essential services. Our work is visible every day through incredible local partners who work tirelessly to keep clinics open, reach families with food and shelter, and ensure that women and families can access care in the most desperate circumstances. 

"This is not about paperwork or process; it is about obstructing aid and silencing independent humanitarian actors, mounting evidence and first-hand reporting confirm Israel is committing genocide and accelerating annexation. 

“ActionAid is urgently pursuing legal and diplomatic avenues to challenge this decision and will not stop calling on the international community to act decisively to prevent an entirely foreseeable humanitarian collapse.” 

ENDS  

Jamil Sawalmeh, Country Director of ActionAid Palestine and Riham Jafari, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator at ActionAid Palestine, are available for interview. Please contact the press office at media-enquiries@actionaid.org for requests.