Israel has officially revoked the operating licenses of 37 international humanitarian organizations in Gaza, mandating complete cessation of their activities by March 1, 2026. The decision comes after these agencies failed to meet a December 31, 2025 deadline to comply with new security and transparency regulations imposed by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.
The controversial regulatory framework, introduced in March 2025, required non-governmental organizations to provide comprehensive documentation including detailed staff information, funding sources, and operational structures. Israeli authorities maintain these measures are essential to prevent terrorist infiltration into humanitarian operations. Minister Amichai Chikli stated: ‘Humanitarian assistance is welcome—the exploitation of humanitarian frameworks for terrorism is not.’
Among the affected organizations are prominent international groups including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Norwegian Refugee Council, World Vision International, and Oxfam. The ministry specifically accused MSF of employing two individuals with alleged ties to Palestinian militant groups Jihad and Hamas—claims MSF strongly denies, asserting they ‘would never knowingly employ people engaging in military activity.’
The United Nations and multiple humanitarian organizations have condemned the move as a dangerous precedent that violates international humanitarian principles. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned this represents a ‘weaponization of bureaucracy’ that undermines the fundamental principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality in humanitarian work.
With Gaza’s population already facing catastrophic conditions—where approximately 80% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed and 1.5 million residents remain displaced—the removal of these aid agencies threatens to exacerbate one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The decision has drawn international criticism, with foreign ministers from ten nations including France and Britain urging Israel to guarantee humanitarian access to the besieged territory.