Humanitarian organizations are issuing dire warnings that Israel’s newly implemented registration requirements for non-governmental organizations could devastate aid operations across Gaza and the West Bank. The controversial policy, which mandates all NGOs to register under a new framework by December 31, 2025, has already resulted in the rejection of at least 14 organizations including prominent groups like Save the Children and the American Friends Service Committee.
According to Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, approximately 100 registration requests had been submitted as of November 2025, with the majority either approved or under review. The government maintains that the regulations aim to prevent “hostile actors or supporters of terrorism” from operating in Palestinian territories, specifically targeting organizations involved in terrorism, antisemitism, Holocaust denial, or delegitimization of Israel.
The policy emerges amid persistent humanitarian crises in Gaza, where basic infrastructure including running water and electricity remains unavailable despite the US-brokered October ceasefire. Current aid delivery falls dramatically short of requirements—while the ceasefire agreement stipulated 600 trucks daily, only 100-300 trucks carrying humanitarian aid actually enter the region.
Rejected organizations now face a 60-day deadline to withdraw all international staff from Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, while losing authorization to send humanitarian supplies across borders. This development threatens essential services for vulnerable populations, including Save the Children’s programs supporting 120,000 children with psychosocial support and education.
The Humanitarian Country Team for the Occupied Palestinian Territory cautioned that deregistration could collapse the humanitarian response entirely, noting that currently approved NGOs represent only a fraction of required capacity. Many organizations report complying with most requirements but refusing to cross “red lines” such as providing information about Palestinian staff.
Legal experts highlight particular concern over the vague terminology surrounding “delegitimization” of Israel, which NGOs say could encompass any criticism of Israeli policies. Israeli lawyer Yotam Ben-Hillel, representing several organizations in appeals, noted that any reporting on ground conditions could potentially justify rejection under these provisions.
With the year-end deadline approaching, humanitarian workers fear catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s population if experienced organizations are replaced by unknown entities without established operational capacity or expertise in the region.