International humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam, have petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court to delay a directive from the Israeli government that demands the withdrawal of all aid groups from Palestinian territories by the end of the month. The petitioners assert that such a withdrawal would lead to irreparable harm to civilians dependent on humanitarian aid, particularly in Gaza, where they claim that over half of food support and a significant portion of medical assistance are provided by NGOs. The organizations warn that operational cessation would precipitate a humanitarian disaster affecting millions.

The Israeli Supreme Court is expected to respond to the petition swiftly, having ordered the government to reply by the following afternoon. The legal representatives for the organizations argue that under the Oslo Accords, the issue of NGO registration should be under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, indicating that the Israeli government's demands lack authority. The humanitarian groups’ appeal highlights their critical role in sustaining the health and well-being of civilians in the Gaza Strip, particularly vulnerable populations experiencing severe malnutrition and requiring medical care.

This recent development follows the Israeli government's previous cancellation of activity permits for 37 major international humanitarian organizations and their subsequent requirement for all aid workers, including Palestinians, to submit personal information such as identity documents. The organizations have expressed serious concerns that complying with these requests would jeopardize the safety of their Palestinian staff, fundamentally challenging the already fragile humanitarian situation in the region.