New Israeli regulations on non-profits spark concerns over duty of care

Israel has introduced new regulations for non-profit organizations operating in the country. The rules, which are set to take effect soon, have raised concerns among aid groups and human rights advocates.

According to Oxfam’s Bushra Khalidi, a senior official at the organization, Israel’s new rules conflict with the “duty of care” that many non-profits are required to uphold. This duty of care is a fundamental principle in humanitarian work, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being and safety of individuals affected by crises.

Under the new regulations, organizations that fail to comply will face suspension. Khalidi stated that this approach raises concerns about the ability of aid groups to effectively respond to humanitarian needs.

The rules are part of a broader effort by Israel to regulate non-profit activity in the country. The government has argued that the new regulations are necessary to ensure accountability and transparency among aid organizations.

Khalidi noted that Oxfam, like other aid groups, is committed to upholding its duty of care. However, she expressed concerns about how the new rules will be enforced and whether they will have a negative impact on the ability of aid groups to operate effectively in Israel.

The introduction of the new regulations has sparked debate among humanitarian organizations and human rights advocates. The exact details of the rules are not yet publicly available, but it is clear that they will have significant implications for non-profit activity in Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera