Whitewashing Gaza: How Israel's pressure silences aid groups

In Gaza, international aid organizations face an agonizing choice. Tone down their rhetoric or risk being denied the permits they need to support Palestinians.  

Over the course of several months, DW reviewed internal emails, messages and guidelines, and corroborated claims by analyzing the organizations' websites, explainer pages and more than 100 public statements. DW Investigations found that several aid organizations have stopped using terms like "siege," "war crimes" and "occupation" in public statements, fearing repercussions under Israeli regulations introduced in late 2024. These rules require re-registration and detailed staff disclosures, effectively silencing criticism. Aid workers speak of a climate of fear and moral conflict.