The Jerusalem-based NGO Monitor is spreading dangerous falsehoods about the Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) work in Gaza. The allegation that NRC was influenced by Hamas in Gaza rests on factual errors about our life-saving work as an independent, neutral and impartial humanitarian organisation lawfully operating in conflict and crisis-affected countries around the world.
Dangerous falsehoods about humanitarian work in Gaza
NRC has never been influenced or controlled by Hamas or any other armed group. No external actor has exercised authority over NRC’s governance, programmes or finances in Gaza. This is a matter of record, reflected in decades of donor oversight, audits, and independent reviews, none of which has ever identified any external control or interference.
Central to the allegations is the assertion that NRC employed “administrative directors” or relied on “guarantors” who enabled Hamas influence. Both claims are clearly false. NRC has never had an “administrative director” role in Gaza. The term “guarantor” referred solely to staff authorised to submit travel permit applications for foreign colleagues through the relevant electronic platform. This administrative classification conferred no authority, access, or influence within NRC. Such “guarantors” for travel or visa applicants are required by most governments around the world.
NRC has no indication that we have ever employed anyone who had been appointed by Hamas. We have, however, naturally appointed staff with experience from the Palestinian Authority, a partner of the United States and the international community.
NRC maintains strict compliance and safeguarding frameworks, including staff vetting against internationally recognised sanctions lists, segregation of duties, internal controls, and continuous donor scrutiny. When NRC has faced attempts at interference, it has acted decisively. In 2016, Hamas did seek access to sensitive information about staff and project participants. NRC categorically refused and our offices were invaded and closed by Hamas. Operations resumed only once Hamas yielded and independence was fully assured. No access to sensitive information was given.
Providing shelter, water, education, and legal assistance to civilians in accordance with humanitarian principles does not empower armed groups. It mitigates civilian harm and reflects obligations under international humanitarian law.
The “NGO Monitor” falsehoods are dangerous for our brave humanitarian staff and for the children, women and families we serve. Sticking to the truth matters for vulnerable lives.
Read more about NRC's work in Palestine.
The Norwegian fact checker Faktisk.no has reviewed the claims, and you can find more information here (in Norwegian).