Why aid agencies in Gaza are so careful with their language

author cws August 22, 2025

9 1 minute read

The Aid Workers Who Risk Their Lives to Bring Relief to Gaza | The ... — The New Yorker

Naomi Conrad | Julett Pineda

August 22, 2025

A DW investigation has found that aid agencies avoid words like “occupation,” “siege” and “accountability” in their public statements. They say the self-censorship comes from a fear that Israeli authorities might withhold permits for them to work in Gaza.

A DW investigation reveals that since December 2024, many international aid organizations working in Gaza have restricted language critical of Israel, banning terms like “occupation,” “genocide” and “siege.”

Describing a climate of fear, aid workers have accused agencies of whitewashing the situation. Israel now demands detailed staff data for re-registration, denying permits to groups supporting ICC prosecutions or boycotts.

As famine worsens in Gaza, more than 100 NGOs have warned that these rules threaten impartial aid and advocacy.