European nations and Japan have criticized Israel’s suspension of food distribution in Gaza.
According to a statement dated Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom argued that the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic.
“We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, express serious concerns about the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which remains catastrophic,” read part of the statement.
They stated that more than half of health facilities are only partially functional and face shortages of essential medical equipment and supplies, alongside an increase in the number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
The ministers acknowledged the important progress that has been made to end the bloodshed in Gaza, while also calling for the remains of the final deceased hostage to be handed over swiftly, and for Hamas to disarm and renounce violence in line with the New York Declaration and UNSCR 2803 endorsing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.
Earlier, Israel announced it would suspend the licences of 37 humanitarian organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and Oxfam, for failing to comply with new registration and information-sharing requirements.
Conditions of European Nations to the Government of Israel
According to the European nations, Israel should ensure that international NGOs can operate in Gaza in a sustained and predictable way.
The ministers highlighted that many established international NGO partners are at risk of being deregistered because of the Government of Israel’s restrictive new requirements, which could result in the forced closure of INGO operations within 60 days in Gaza and the West Bank.
They also stated that Israel should ensure the UN and its partners can continue their vital work to ensure the impartial, neutral, and independent delivery of aid throughout the whole of Gaza.
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Israel should lift unreasonable restrictions on imports considered to have a dual use, which are holding up essential supplies in every sector and preventing the rehabilitation and repair of critical infrastructure.
Meanwhile, they said Israel should open crossings and boost the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, noting that they welcome the partial opening of the Allenby crossing. Still, other corridors for moving goods to Gaza remain closed or severely restricted for humanitarian aid.
Israel Suspends 37 Gaza Aid Groups
Earlier, Israel suspended the licences of 37 humanitarian organizations working in the Gaza Strip, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and Oxfam, citing non-compliance with new registration and information-sharing rules.
The move came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on a two-month deadline for Hamas to disarm.
Israeli authorities claim some organizations failed to fully disclose staff roles, funding sources, and operational details. MSF has strongly denied allegations linking its staff to Hamas.
However, MSF, one of the largest medical providers in Gaza, warned that the suspension would severely damage healthcare services in the territory.
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The organization supports approximately 20 percent of hospital beds and oversees about one-third of births in Gaza, a region whose health sector has been heavily affected by ongoing conflict.
Oxfam and other affected organizations also risk disruption to essential aid programs, raising concerns over the impact on civilians who rely on humanitarian assistance.
Israeli officials have maintained that the move is part of efforts to enforce stricter oversight of aid groups operating in Gaza, citing the need for transparency and accountability.
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