Israel has moved to suspend more than three dozen international humanitarian organisations from operating in the Gaza Strip, citing their failure to comply with newly imposed registration regulations. The decision, which affects roughly 15% of aid groups in the enclave, has drawn sharp criticism for its timing amid a fragile ceasefire and enormous ongoing need.
New Rules and Widespread Suspensions
The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs announced on Tuesday 30 December 2025 that 37 groups had failed to comply with the new rules and would have their licences revoked effective 1 January. Organisations operating within Israel must leave by 1 March, though they retain the right to appeal.
The controversial regulations require aid groups to register the names of their workers and can disqualify any organisation that has called for boycotts against Israel, denied the October 7 attack, or expressed support for court cases against Israeli leaders or soldiers. Israel states the rules aim to prevent militant groups like Hamas from infiltrating relief agencies.
Among the suspended organisations are major global players: Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Action Against Hunger, ActionAid, and CARE. Israel specifically accused MSF of not responding to claims that some of its staff were associated with Hamas or Islamic Jihad, allegations the medical charity strongly denies.
"Catastrophic Impact" on Gaza's Civilians
Aid groups have universally condemned the suspensions, warning they will severely harm Gaza's civilian population. MSF stated the decision would have a "catastrophic impact", noting it supports approximately 20% of hospital beds and a third of births in the territory.
Shaina Low of the suspended Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted the dire situation: "Despite the ceasefire, the needs in Gaza are enormous." She added that banning international staff means all workload falls on "exhausted local staff."
Some groups explained their non-compliance stemmed from fears that providing staff details could lead to Israeli targeting of Palestinian employees, compounded by conflicts with European data protection laws.
Broader Context of Violence and Need
The suspension news coincided with a report from Gaza's Shifa Hospital on Tuesday that Israeli fire killed a 10-year-old girl and wounded another person near the 'yellow line' demarcating Israeli-controlled areas. The Israeli military did not immediately comment but has stated troops in that zone will target anyone approaching or threatening soldiers.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported on Monday that 71,266 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, a figure which did not include the young girl. The United Nations and independent experts consider the ministry's data the most reliable for war casualties, though Israel disputes the numbers without providing its own comprehensive tally.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place since October, but the suspension of these vital aid organisations casts a long shadow over recovery efforts for a population facing devastation, widespread displacement, and a monumental humanitarian crisis.
