Israel has instructed the United Nations World Food Programme to immediately suspend cooperation with a Turkish humanitarian organization operating in Gaza. The move has intensified concerns about worsening food shortages and humanitarian suffering in the war-affected Palestinian territory.
According to a statement shared with AFP on Friday, the World Food Programme confirmed that Israeli authorities ordered the agency to stop all fuel support and operational coordination with the Turkish NGO IHH. The decision is expected to severely impact food distribution and emergency nutrition programs across Gaza.
The development comes as humanitarian groups continue warning about growing hunger, damaged infrastructure, and limited aid access in the region. International relief agencies fear the latest restrictions could deepen the already critical humanitarian emergency.
WFP Warns Thousands Could Lose Daily Food Assistance
The World Food Programme stated that the suspension would directly affect more than 166,000 people who depend on daily humanitarian support. The agency said many civilians rely on hot meals, bread supplies, and nutritional assistance for survival.
According to WFP officials, around 111,000 meals per day may now be disrupted due to the order. The agency also warned that nearly 55,000 pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children facing malnutrition risks could lose essential nutritional support.
WFP explained that its partnership with IHH began in January 2024 during a period of urgent humanitarian need in Gaza. The organization was reportedly selected to help reach underserved and heavily affected areas where aid delivery remained difficult.
The agency stressed that IHH had undergone detailed screening and verification procedures before cooperation officially started. Despite this, Israeli authorities maintained their objections and demanded an immediate halt to all support activities involving the NGO.
Israel Defends Decision Over Hamas Allegations
IHH, also known as the Humanitarian Relief Foundation, is a Turkish humanitarian organization involved in global aid work and search-and-rescue operations. Israel designated the group as a terrorist organization in May 2008, accusing it of supporting Hamas.
Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, widely known as COGAT, announced the decision on Thursday. The authority claimed it discovered that fuel had been transferred within Gaza to IHH through World Food Programme operations.
In an official letter sent to WFP leadership, the head of COGAT demanded the immediate suspension of fuel distribution and all forms of assistance linked to the organization.
Israeli officials also accused IHH of supporting flotilla missions that previously attempted to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Authorities stated that resources would not be permitted to reach groups allegedly connected to Hamas under humanitarian operations.
The Israeli government has repeatedly argued that strict monitoring of aid activities is necessary to prevent resources from reaching militant organizations operating inside Gaza.
Humanitarian Groups Raise Alarm Over Gaza Conditions
International humanitarian organizations have strongly criticized restrictions on aid access in Gaza. Relief agencies say civilians continue facing extreme shortages of food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter materials.
Several global NGOs stated this week that humanitarian conditions remain catastrophic despite diplomatic efforts and ceasefire discussions linked to the ongoing conflict. Aid organizations also accused Israel of limiting the entry of essential supplies needed to repair damaged infrastructure and support displaced communities.
Oxfam America President Abby Maxman said experienced aid groups are still being prevented from delivering enough water system equipment, medical materials, and shelter supplies into Gaza.
Violence has also continued across the territory despite international pressure for peace. Israeli airstrikes reportedly continue several times each week following the conflict triggered by Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The World Food Programme warned that nearly 1.7 million people in Gaza remain in fragile food security conditions. The agency urged all sides to allow uninterrupted humanitarian operations so life-saving aid can continue reaching civilians in desperate need.
