Oxfam has announced it will not provide Israel with personal details of its Palestinian staff, citing the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of over 500 humanitarian workers since October 7, 2023. This decision comes amid Israel’s broader crackdown on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that deliver essential aid to Palestinians. Last year, Israel demanded that various international charities, including Oxfam, share detailed information about their employees and operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
In January 2024, Israel revoked the licenses of 37 organizations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council and the International Rescue Committee, claiming these groups did not comply with new “security and transparency standards.” Oxfam has firmly stated it will not comply with the request to disclose sensitive information. An Oxfam spokesperson emphasized, “We will not transfer sensitive personal data to a party to the conflict since this would breach humanitarian principles, duty of care, and data protection obligations.”
Impact on Humanitarian Operations
The ongoing conflict has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of aid workers in the region. Since the escalation of violence, humanitarian organizations have reported increasing risks to their staff. The spokesperson for Oxfam urged the Israeli government to halt its deregistration efforts and lift restrictions impeding humanitarian assistance. “We call on donor governments to use all available leverage to secure the suspension and reversal of these actions,” the spokesperson added.
Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs has outlined stringent requirements for NGOs, demanding the submission of personal documents including passport copies, resumes, and the names of family members, including children. The ministry has indicated that it would reject organizations it suspects of inciting racism or denying Israel’s existence. Out of the 37 aid groups, reports indicate that 23 organizations have agreed to the new registration rules, while others are considering their options or have outright refused.
The Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO) condemned those organizations that complied with Israel’s demands. They stated that such actions violate international humanitarian law and established standards for humanitarian work. PNGO warned that complying with Israel’s requirements poses a “direct threat” to the safety of local staff members.
Mixed Responses from Aid Organizations
While Oxfam has maintained its stance against sharing staff information, other organizations are grappling with the implications of Israel’s demands. On Saturday, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) indicated it could provide a limited list of staff names, contingent on ensuring their safety. Nonetheless, MSF acknowledged that the requests from Israel were “unreasonable.”
This decision has sparked backlash from some within the medical community and activist circles. Critics argue that sharing staff information could jeopardize the safety of Palestinians, especially given the documented targeting of aid workers during the conflict. A former MSF employee, who requested anonymity, expressed deep concern over the organization’s choices. “MSF faces profoundly difficult decisions – concede to the demands of a genocidal regime, or refuse and face complete expulsion and an abrupt end to all health activities,” the individual stated.
The International Rescue Committee, also among the 37 groups affected, highlighted that Palestinians represent nearly a fifth of all aid workers killed since record-keeping began. As the situation continues to evolve, the humanitarian community remains on high alert, navigating the complexities of operating in a conflict zone while striving to protect the lives of those they serve.
