Israel confirms ban on 37 NGOs entering Gaza. Demonstrations in Iran: six dead in clashes
Somaliland: 'Displaced Palestinians will not be relocated here'
Key points
Israel confirmed a ban on 37 major international organisations entering the Gaza Strip, accusing them of failing to provide lists of their employees, according to new regulations. "Organisations that have not met the required standards of security and transparency will have their licences suspended," the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Anti-Semitism said in a statement.
Caritas remains operational in Jerusalem
Caritas Italiana confirms its support for the activities of Caritas Jerusalem, which will continue to operate in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, continuing its humanitarian and development work in favour of the most vulnerable people. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, in a note, recalls that Caritas Jerusalem is an organisation that operates under the governance of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land and that its legal status and mission are recognised by the State of Israel by virtue of agreements signed with the Holy See. It should be noted that Caritas Jerusalem has not initiated any re-registration process with the Israeli authorities and will continue its activities in full compliance with its mandate.
"Caritas Jerusalem in the Holy Land - and in particular in Gaza - is a presence of proximity, listening and concrete service to the people hardest hit by the violence and the humanitarian crisis," says Don Marco Pagniello, director of Caritas Italiana. "The fact that Caritas Jerusalem remains in the field, as indicated by the Latin Patriarchate, is a sign of fidelity to the communities and responsibility towards those who suffer. As Caritas Italiana, we will continue to support this commitment, convinced that solidarity cannot retreat in the most difficult contexts".
Oxfam: 'Still not received notification from Israel on the squeeze, appeal ready'
At the moment Oxfam "has not received an official notification" from Israel regarding a possible suspension of its licence to operate in Gaza, which is expected as a result of the clampdown on 37 international organisations announced by Benjamin Netanyahu's government after the introduction of new requirements: this was what Paolo Pezzati, spokesperson for humanitarian crises for the NGO in Italy, said, speaking to ANSA. "For now, our situation has not changed" compared to before, Pezzati added, explaining that Oxfam is currently active in the Strip mainly with Palestinian workers and "a few international units" and works mainly providing water to the population and guaranteeing psychological support and protection training for civilians, for example in identifying and avoiding unexploded ordnance. With regard to Israel's announced tightening, the Oxfam spokesperson points out that the Association of International Development NGOs (Aida) is planning to lodge an appeal, a legal action that could postpone the entry into force of the new requirements.
Somaliland: 'Displaced Palestinians will not be relocated here'
The government of Somaliland, a territory recognised by Israel as an independent state, denied Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's claim that it had agreed to receive displaced Palestinians or military bases in exchange for such recognition. "Somaliland's engagement with the State of Israel is purely diplomatic, conducted in full compliance with international law and the mutual sovereign interests of both countries," a Somaliland Foreign Ministry note read. "These unfounded allegations are intended to mislead the international community and undermine Somaliland's diplomatic progress," the statement adds.
