Israel has announced the suspension of operations for more than 30 humanitarian organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières and CARE, after they failed to comply with new registration rules. Relief groups warn this ban will have a catastrophic impact on starving civilians amid allegations that the authority is using oversight powers for military purposes.
The Israeli government has issued an order suspending the activities of over 30 international relief organizations in the Gaza Strip, citing their failure to comply with newly implemented registration regulations introduced earlier this year. These regulations require strict disclosure of staff lists, funding sources, and operational details.
Amichai Shikli, Minister for Hebrew Repatriate Affairs, stated that these rules are intended to prevent Hamas or other armed groups from infiltrating humanitarian organizations. He emphasized, "We welcome humanitarian aid but will not allow this framework to be exploited for terrorism."
However, the new regulations also include ideological conditions, such as disqualifying organizations that support boycotts against Israel, deny the attacks on 7 October, or back legal actions against Israeli leaders in international courts.
One of the suspended organizations is Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which manages about 20% of hospital beds in Gaza and handles one-third of childbirths in the area. Israel alleges that some MSF staff have ties to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, an accusation MSF vehemently denies, stating it does not employ individuals involved in military activities. MSF warns that this suspension will have a disastrous effect on the already fragile healthcare system.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), also suspended, expressed concerns over staff safety. Many organizations have refused to submit lists of Palestinian employees to Israel due to security concerns and European data protection laws, especially amid a conflict in which over 500 aid workers have been killed. There are also fears that Israel might use this information for military or intelligence purposes.
Starting from 1 January 2026, work permits will be officially revoked. By 1 March 2026, organizations with offices in Israel and East Jerusalem will be required to relocate. Affected organizations have the right to appeal this order.
COGAT, Israel’s defense authority responsible for humanitarian aid coordination in Gaza, asserts that the banned organizations account for less than 1% of all aid, with over 20 other organizations authorized to continue operations. However, relief groups argue that obstructing critical life-saving assistance during such a fragile ceasefire constitutes a severe violation of humanitarian principles.