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UN chief deeply concerned over Israel's suspension of NGOs

AL-Monitor
Jan 2, 2026
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks on the day of the Second World Summit for Social Development, focusing on advancing social development and reaffirming commitments to the Copenhagen Declaration, in Doha, Qatar, November 4, 2025. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks on the day of the Second World Summit for Social Development, focusing on advancing social development and reaffirming commitments to the Copenhagen Declaration, in Doha, Qatar, November 4, 2025. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa — Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

WASHINGTON, Jan 2 (Reuters) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned by Israel's announcement of a suspension of the operations of several international non-governmental organizations in occupied Palestinian territory and called for the measure to be reversed, according to a statement on Friday.

"This announcement comes on top of earlier restrictions that have already delayed critical food, medical, hygiene and shelter supplies from entering Gaza. This recent action will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the secretary-general, said in the statement.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Chris Reese)