On Tuesday 30 December, the NOS website reported that Israel is barring dozens of aid organisations from operating in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank from 1 January.
The NOS went on to report that the list, shared by the AP news agency, included the Dutch branch of Médecins Sans Frontières and War Child. The international NGOs Oxfam Novib and the Norwegian Refugee Council were also mentioned. According to the NOS, all these organisations have been highly critical of Israel’s actions during the war in Gaza.
Several countries have condemned Israel’s decision, the NOS wrote on 31 December. They point to the joint statement by the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, who call the decision ‘unacceptable’. I believe that the Netherlands should join them in this. As far as I know, the NGOs mentioned are all reputable aid organisations working to help the most vulnerable people in the Palestinian territories. Large-scale humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank is desperately needed and should be scaled up rather than scaled down.
The people in Gaza are still suffering enormously. Firstly, there is no real ceasefire. According to our contact in Gaza, many explosions can still be heard every day in Gaza. So many, that Salama writes just before Christmas: “Unfortunately, several explosions occurred in the early morning hours, but we are used to it.”
In the period between the ceasefire and 17 December, according to UNWRA, citing the Ministry of Health in Gaza, 394 Palestinians were killed, 1,075 wounded and 634 bodies recovered from the rubble. And then there is the shortage of medical care, food and drink. As well as the heavy rainfall and the winter cold in Gaza, forcing the displaced to wade through the water, tents being blown over, and babies freezing to death. As UNICEF also points out after the death of at least six children in Gaza due to the weather conditions, all children have the right to shelter.
It is understandable that the Israeli government and a large part of the Israeli population have been severely traumatised by the events of 7 October. However, that does not make every Palestinian a terrorist. Most Palestinians want what everyone wants. To live in peace, with enough to eat and a future for their children. I am reminded of this statement by Salama: “All we wish and hope for is to live a dignified life, for my children to live dignified lives, to be successful people, and to contribute to good in the world.” The Palestinians have also been severely traumatised by the war since 7 October 2023. They therefore need psychological support in addition to humanitarian aid. Gaza needs to be rebuilt.
I also find it shocking that eight members of Palestine Action have gone on hunger strike in British prisons. Greta Thunberg was arrested in solidarity with them and has fortunately been released, according to Memo Middle East Monitor. According to RTL, the eight Palestine Action activists are between 20 and 31 years old and have been on hunger strike since early November. RTL also states that they are being held in five different British prisons for their alleged involvement in the break-in at the air force base and a similar action at the British headquarters of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in the summer of 2024. I understand that these young people are opposed to genocide and believe that everything possible should be done to ensure that they start eating again. I also think that the Dutch media should give them more attention. In the Netherlands, a demonstration was held in front of the British Embassy on 30 December in solidarity with the hunger strikers in the United Kingdom.
Let us take care of each other and nature. Cherish life and care for the most vulnerable. May 2026 be a year full of peace. For: A World Where All Children Can Play.
Author: May-May Meijer
Photo: A child receiving clothes of Peace SOS Gaza in Gaza, 9th January 2026
Note: This article was published in Dutch under the title Ook Nederland moet het weren van hulporganisaties door Israël veroordelen on the Joop BNNVARA website on 30th December 2025.