West Bank: Aid efforts suffocated as Israeli authorities scale up violence and movement restrictions, survey of 42 humanitarian organisations reveals

Israeli forces and settlers have systematically undermined humanitarian aid making life untenable for Palestinians, according to a survey of Doctors of the World alongside 41 other humanitarian organisations working in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Since the pause in hostilities in Gaza took effect on 19 January 2025, aid workers in the West Bank have increasingly faced direct threats to their safety. Aid deliveries and other activities are frequently blocked or delayed as Israeli authorities have established new checkpoints and tightened movement restrictions.

All 42 of the humanitarian organisations operating in the West Bank who responded to the survey have found it more difficult to deliver aid since 19 January. Additionally, 83% of the organisations surveyed have been forced to modify or cancel humanitarian activities due to security risks. 

The surge in violence and movement restrictions by Israeli forces and settlers has led to the forced displacement of Palestinians and the constant disruption of daily life. Two days after the pause in hostilities in Gaza took effect, Israeli forces launched a major military operation in the West Bank. Between 21 January and 20 February, Israeli forces killed 51 Palestinians, including seven children. Israeli authorities have acknowledged that 40,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.

Simon Tyler, Director Doctors of the World UK, said “Israeli forces and settlers are suffocating everyday life in the West Bank. These brutal tactics, which have devastated Gaza, including airstrikes, large-scale forced displacement orders and targeting of healthcare facilities, are now being inflicted on communities across the West Bank. Civilians must be protected from violence, forced eviction, and collective punishment.”

“A week ago, a female colleague and I approached a checkpoint. We followed protocol, driving forward slowly. Suddenly, one soldier fired multiple shots into the air, then aimed his gun directly at us. I thought we were going to die. I have nightmares every night. I often break down in tears just thinking about it,” – aid worker in the West Bank.*

Obstruction of humanitarian aid

Access to aid and healthcare is severely restricted by the vast network of at least 800 Israeli military roadblocks, barriers and checkpoints. Dozens of new checkpoints, intensified security checks, and movement restrictions are ravaging humanitarian efforts. 

Twenty-four organisations surveyed reported 305 incidents where aid workers were denied access at checkpoints, preventing them from reaching communities in need. There were 222 reported cases where aid deliveries were delayed for more than three hours. In 98 instances, aid was fully turned away at the checkpoint.

Anna Miller, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Doctors of the World UK, said “Humanitarian aid is being systematically disrupted. As the occupying power, Israel has a legal obligation to ensure the provision of medical care, food, and other essential humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in the West Bank. The denial of access to healthcare has already had deadly consequences. The international community must ensure that Israeli authorities dismantle barriers and checkpoints, and allow free flowing humanitarian aid throughout the West Bank.” 

“Some of our health workers have been injured while saving other people’s lives, some have been arrested and one health worker was killed. They are under constant threat daily, facing Israeli soldiers as they carry out home visits to our health patients,” – aid worker in the West Bank.*

Threats to civilians and aid workers

Twenty-five organisations reported a total of 257 cases of staff facing threats to their safety, while 60% of organisations reported experiencing violence or intimidation at checkpoints, putting both aid workers and beneficiaries at risk. Over 85% of organizations surveyed reported increased exposure to violence, intimidation, and displacement as Israeli forces and settlers escalate pressure on Palestinian communities. 

“Every day, I have to cross three checkpoints to go to work and it takes hours in the mornings and hours in the evenings to do so. I wake up at 4 a.m. and sometimes don’t return until 10 p.m. The soldiers at one checkpoint stop me daily, checking my computer, my phone, my documents—despite seeing me every day. They are aggressive. I am exhausted, afraid, and overwhelmed. It has never been this bad,” – aid worker in the West Bank.*

Editor’s Notes

• *Anonymous for safety reasons.
• In a survey conducted in February 2025, 42 international and national aid organisations including Doctors of the World (Médecins du Monde) operating in the West Bank shared their experiences delivering humanitarian aid and services from the start of the pause in hostilities in Gaza on 19 January to 11 February 2025.

Survey key findings

• Humanitarian Access: 100% of surveyed humanitarian organisations reported increased difficulties in delivering aid since the pause in hostilities in Gaza.
• Movement Restrictions: 93% of surveyed organisations reported that roadblocks, permit denials, and checkpoint delays  hinder operations.
• Modifications and Cancellations: 83% had to modify or cancel humanitarian activities due to security risks.
• Threats to Communities: 86% of organisations surveyed reported increased exposure to violence, intimidation, and displacement as Israeli forces and settlers escalate pressure on Palestinian communities. 
• Demolitions as a tool of displacement: 74% reported intensified demolitions of homes, schools, and essential infrastructure.

Press contact: media@doctorsoftheworld.org.uk