Posted on 09 April 2026
Statement by the Council for International Development on Humanitarian Access and Protection of Civilians across the Middle East
Council for International Development, ChildFund NZ, Oxfam Aotearoa, Tearfund NZ, Anglican Missions and Save the Children NZ
The conflict across the Middle East and its impact on global energy supplies continues to dominate the airwaves. While a ceasefire for Iran is welcome, we are deeply concerned at ongoing strikes in Lebanon and the continued restrictions on humanitarian aid and supplies to civilians in the region. We call on the New Zealand Government to support and enable the critical work of humanitarians through all diplomatic means available.
During the latest escalation, thousands have been killed and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Strikes on civilian areas, schools, hospitals and airports have created enormous suffering. A whole generation of children will be scarred for life.
New Zealanders have shown enormous care and generosity to communities in the region, including through millions of dollars donated to humanitarian organisations which provide lifesaving support in Gaza and Lebanon. But new restrictions on humanitarian access are making it incredibly difficult to deliver that support.
In December 2025, the Government of Israel denied more than 30 international NGOs working in Gaza and the West Bank their re-registration, threatening their ability to continue essential hygiene, healthcare, food, and social support programs.
The Government of Israel subsequently closed crossings and aid corridors into Gaza following the escalation of the conflict in Iran. As of today, crossings remain severely restricted, disrupting the flow of essential food, medical supplies and fuel to people in need.
These decisions combined are deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many people cannot access enough food to feed their families, and women are being discharged into unsafe environments hours after giving birth. Ongoing strikes in Lebanon have killed hundreds of children and threaten to compound an already devastating humanitarian situation.
New Zealand has a proud history of standing up for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians during conflicts. We call on the Government of New Zealand to continue in this tradition by using diplomatic means to call for a ceasefire from all parties to the conflict in the Middle East, and for all parties to fully observe International Humanitarian Law. This must include the active protection of humanitarian workers and all other civilians, as well as the freedom of humanitarian organisations to operate, travel and transport supplies into and across the territories and crossings under their control.