Israel is set to revoke the licenses of 37 aid groups operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, claiming they failed to meet requirements under recently introduced registration rules.
Prominent international NGOs, including ActionAid, the International Rescue Committee, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, will have their licenses suspended on 1 January, with operations ending within 60 days. Israel says many groups failed to provide “complete” personal details of their staff.
The decision drew sharp criticism from foreign ministers of ten countries, including the UK, who described the rules as “restrictive” and “unacceptable.” They warned the closures would severely affect access to essential services, including healthcare, in Gaza, where conditions remain “catastrophic.”
Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said the measures would not disrupt the flow of humanitarian aid, which continues through vetted channels such as UN agencies and bilateral partners. The ministry emphasized that staff verification is critical to preventing potential infiltration by terrorist operatives.
COGAT, Israel’s military body overseeing Gaza crossings, noted that the suspended organisations contributed minimally to aid deliveries during the current ceasefire, accounting for roughly 1% of total aid volumes. Fewer than 15% of aid groups were found in violation of the new framework.
The registration rules bar organisations that deny Israel’s legitimacy, promote boycotts, support armed struggle, or call for prosecution of Israeli forces internationally. The Humanitarian Country Team warned that the system “fundamentally jeopardises” humanitarian operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
Many INGOs provide most of Gaza’s essential services, including field hospitals, emergency shelters, water and sanitation, nutrition centres for malnourished children, and critical mine action.
Minister Amichai Chikli stated, “Humanitarian assistance is welcome the exploitation of humanitarian frameworks for terrorism is not.” Other groups affected include CARE, Medico International, and Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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