UN Reports Israel Refuses Visa Renewals for Gaza Agency Heads

Key Takeaways

• Israel refused to renew visas for OCHA, OHCHR, and UNRWA heads in Gaza since January 2025.
• New Israeli laws ban UNRWA operations and prevent contacts, forcing UN staff relocation to Jordan.
• Aid deliveries reduced; $6.6 billion needed in 2025 for 3.3 million Palestinians amid staff safety risks.

Israel’s refusal to renew visas for the heads of at least three United Nations agencies in Gaza has triggered a major crisis for humanitarian operations, according to UN officials. The move, which began in early 2025, comes as Israel tightens restrictions on international aid and oversight in the region, raising urgent questions about the future of humanitarian support for millions of Palestinians.

UN officials confirmed on July 18, 2025, that Israel has not renewed visas for the local leaders of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This decision follows a series of legislative and administrative actions by Israel that have steadily reduced the ability of United Nations agencies and other humanitarian organizations to operate in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Who Is Affected and How

The immediate impact falls on the heads of three major United Nations agencies:

• Jonathan Whittall, a South African humanitarian expert leading OCHA’s efforts in Gaza
• Ajith Sunghay, a British-educated international lawyer heading the OHCHR office
• Philippe Lazzarini, the Swiss-Italian Commissioner-General of UNRWA, who now faces a ban on entering Gaza

Since the end of January 2025, Israel has not issued any new visas to UNRWA international staff, effectively forcing the relocation of these workers to Amman, Jordan. National staff remain in East Jerusalem but face increased risks, including threats to their safety and limited ability to coordinate with international colleagues.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated, “Israel has not renewed visas for the heads of three key UN agencies in Gaza,” confirming the growing obstacles faced by humanitarian workers. The refusal to grant “security clearances” for UN staff to enter Gaza has further hampered aid operations, with 56% of denied entries in 2025 involving emergency medical teams.

Policy Changes and Legal Background

The current crisis is rooted in new Israeli laws passed in October 2024. These laws:

• Ban UNRWA from operating in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank
• Prohibit Israeli authorities from contacting UNRWA

These measures took effect on January 30, 2025, leading to the forced expiration of all UNRWA international staff visas and the evacuation of staff and equipment to Jordan. While UNRWA’s mandate remains, its ability to function in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is now severely limited. National staff who remain in East Jerusalem face heightened risks and uncertainty.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these legislative changes have crippled the ability of United Nations agencies to deliver essential services, including food, healthcare, and education, to Palestinians in Gaza. The denial of visas and security clearances has drastically reduced the presence of international humanitarian staff, making it nearly impossible to monitor and report on conditions or coordinate large-scale aid deliveries.

Israel’s Position and UN Response

The Israeli government claims that UNRWA has been infiltrated by Hamas and alleges that some staff participated in the October 7, 2023, incursion into southern Israel. As a result, Israel has formally stopped UNRWA from operating in its territory and is reviewing the visa issue for other United Nations agencies.

OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani confirmed that the head of the OHCHR office in the occupied Palestinian territories has been denied entry into Gaza. This is part of a broader pattern of access restrictions affecting not only United Nations agencies but also other international humanitarian organizations.

UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher told the UN Security Council, “Israel’s actions are explicitly in response to our work on protection of civilians.” He highlighted the increasing threats and reduced access faced by United Nations staff, warning that the situation is becoming unsustainable.

Humanitarian Impact: Aid Worker Safety and Service Delivery

The consequences of these restrictions are severe and wide-reaching:

• Hundreds of aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the escalation of hostilities. Those who remain face daily risks, including hunger, violence, and the threat of further attacks.
• The denial of visas and security clearances has led to a drastic reduction in the presence of international humanitarian staff in Gaza. This directly affects the ability to deliver aid and to monitor and report on the humanitarian situation.
• The United Nations and its partners estimate that at least $6.6 billion is needed in 2025 to address humanitarian needs for 3.3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank. However, operational constraints are making it nearly impossible to deliver aid at the necessary scale.

Operational Disruption and Evacuation

The refusal to renew visas and the new legal restrictions have crippled the ability of United Nations agencies to operate in Gaza. This has affected:

• Coordination: Without international staff, it is much harder to coordinate aid deliveries and ensure that help reaches those who need it most.
• Oversight: The lack of international presence makes it difficult to monitor the use of aid and to report on human rights abuses or violations of international law.
• Essential Services: Food, healthcare, and education services provided by United Nations agencies have been severely disrupted.

International staff have been evacuated from East Jerusalem to Amman, and office equipment and archives have been moved out. National staff remain but face increased threats, including the risk of violence and arrest.

Legal and International Perspectives

The United Nations views these actions as a violation of Israel’s obligations under the Geneva Conventions as the occupying power. These conventions require Israel to ensure the provision of civilian needs and to allow humanitarian access.

Palestinian representatives argue that the intent is to undermine the resilience of the refugee population and to force displacement by dismantling the agency infrastructure that supports them. Many United Nations member states and humanitarian organizations have condemned Israel’s actions, warning of catastrophic humanitarian consequences and urging compliance with international law.

Quantitative Data: The Scale of the Crisis

• Hundreds of aid workers killed: The ongoing conflict has made Gaza one of the most dangerous places in the world for humanitarian workers.
• 56% of denied entries in 2025 were for emergency medical teams: This highlights the direct impact on life-saving services.
• $6.6 billion needed for humanitarian response in 2025: The scale of need is enormous, but the ability to deliver aid is shrinking.

Implications for Gaza’s Population

The people of Gaza are bearing the brunt of these policy changes. With fewer international staff on the ground, access to food, healthcare, and education is becoming even more limited. The risk of disease, malnutrition, and violence is rising, especially for children and vulnerable groups.

National staff who remain in Gaza and East Jerusalem face increased risks, including threats to their safety and the possibility of arrest or violence. The lack of international oversight also raises concerns about the protection of civilians and the ability to document and respond to human rights abuses.

International Community’s Response

Many countries and humanitarian organizations have called on Israel to reverse its policies and to allow United Nations agencies to operate freely in Gaza. They warn that continued restrictions will lead to even greater suffering and may violate international law.

The United Nations and the international community are likely to continue pressing Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law and to restore access for humanitarian agencies. However, the prospects for immediate change remain uncertain.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

Unless Israel reverses its policy or there is significant international intervention, the operational environment for United Nations and humanitarian agencies in Gaza is expected to remain extremely constrained throughout 2025. The ongoing denial of visas and access, combined with anti-United Nations rhetoric and legislative changes, suggests that the situation may worsen.

The United Nations and its partners are likely to continue advocating for humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, but face increasing obstacles and threats of further access reductions. The risk is that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will deepen, with even greater challenges to aid delivery and civilian protection.

Solution-Oriented Elements: What Can Be Done?

While the situation is dire, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact:

• International Advocacy: Continued pressure from United Nations member states and humanitarian organizations may encourage Israel to reconsider its policies.
• Legal Action: The United Nations and other organizations may pursue legal avenues to challenge the restrictions and to hold Israel accountable under international law.
• Support for National Staff: Providing additional support and protection for national staff who remain in Gaza and East Jerusalem can help to maintain some level of humanitarian assistance.
• Alternative Aid Channels: Exploring alternative ways to deliver aid, such as through local organizations or remote coordination, may help to reach some of those in need.

Official Resources and Contacts

For those seeking more information or wishing to follow developments, the following resources provide authoritative updates:

• UNRWA: www.unrwa.org
• OCHA oPt: www.ochaopt.org
• OHCHR: www.ohchr.org
• Israeli COGAT (for entry regulations): COGAT official website (for entry regulations and updates)

Practical Guidance for Affected Communities

If you are an aid worker, a member of the affected communities, or someone seeking to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza, consider the following steps:

• Stay Informed: Follow official United Nations and Israeli government updates for the latest information on access and regulations.
• Document Needs: If you are in Gaza or the West Bank, keep records of unmet needs and challenges, as this information can help advocacy efforts.
• Reach Out for Support: Contact United Nations agencies or local humanitarian organizations for assistance and guidance.
• Advocate for Access: Use your voice to call for the restoration of humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.

Conclusion

The refusal by Israel to renew visas for the heads of key United Nations agencies in Gaza marks a turning point in the region’s humanitarian crisis. With international staff forced out and new legal barriers in place, the ability of the United Nations and its partners to deliver aid and protect civilians is under severe threat. The international community faces a critical test: whether it can uphold the principles of humanitarian law and ensure that the people of Gaza receive the support they urgently need.

As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed and engaged is essential. For the most current updates, consult official United Nations press releases, agency situation reports, and the Israeli government’s official statements. The future of humanitarian operations in Gaza depends on the actions taken now by governments, organizations, and individuals committed to upholding human rights and international law.

Learn Today

UNRWA → United Nations agency providing assistance to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and West Bank regions.
OCHA → Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, responsible for coordinating international humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.
OHCHR → Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, overseeing human rights protections in occupied territories.
Security clearance → Official authorization required for UN staff to enter Gaza, crucial for operational access.
Visa renewal → Process of extending legal permission for UN staff to remain and work in Gaza.

This Article in a Nutshell

Israel’s refusal to renew visas for top UN agency heads escalates Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Restrictive laws halt UNRWA operations, forcing staff out. Aid delivery downcuts threaten millions reliant on international support. Safety risks intensify for remaining personnel amid access denials, with urgent $6.6 billion funding needs for Gaza in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com