Israel To Suspend Dozens of Aid Groups in Gaza, Citing Security Concerns
Israel has announced the suspension of more than two dozen international humanitarian organisations from operating in the Gaza Strip.
The move follows the introduction of new registration rules that, according to Israeli authorities, are meant to stop militant groups from exploiting aid operations.
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Several aid organisations, however, say the decision is arbitrary and could severely harm civilians who depend on humanitarian assistance.
Among the suspended groups are well-known organisations such as Doctors Without Borders and CARE. Israel says these organisations failed to comply with updated requirements related to staff registration, funding disclosure, and operational transparency.
New Registration Rules Explained
Earlier this year, Israel introduced stricter regulations for humanitarian groups working in Gaza. Under the new rules, organisations must submit detailed information about their staff, funding sources, and activities. They must also reapply for operating licenses to continue their work.
The regulations go beyond administrative requirements. They include ideological conditions as well. Organisations that have supported boycotts against Israel, questioned the October 7 attack, or backed international legal cases against Israeli leaders or soldiers may be disqualified.
Israel says these measures are necessary to protect national security.
Israel’s Security Argument
Israeli officials claim that militant groups, including Hamas, have previously used humanitarian frameworks to divert aid or place operatives within aid organisations. Israel has repeated this claim throughout the war, arguing that tighter oversight is essential.
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said more than 30 organisations — around 15 per cent of the aid groups operating in Gaza — failed to meet the new requirements. As a result, their licenses will be revoked starting January 1. Groups based in Israel or East Jerusalem will need to leave by March 1 unless they successfully appeal.
“The message is clear,” said Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli. “Humanitarian aid is welcome. Exploiting it for terrorism is not.”
Aid Groups Push Back
Humanitarian organisations strongly reject Israel’s accusations. Doctors Without Borders said the suspension would have a catastrophic impact on Gaza. The group supports about 20 per cent of hospital beds in the territory and assists with nearly one-third of all births.
The organisation also denied claims that its staff had links to militant groups. It said it conducts strict background checks and would never knowingly employ anyone involved in armed activity.
Other groups echoed similar concerns. They warned that the timing of the decision is especially damaging, as it comes less than three months into a fragile ceasefire.
Impact on Aid Delivery
Aid groups say the suspensions will disrupt already strained humanitarian operations. Many organisations will no longer be able to send international staff or supplies into Gaza. Offices in Israel and East Jerusalem are expected to close.
Local staff in Gaza will face an increased workload. Aid workers say they are already exhausted after months of conflict.
Some organisations also said they refused to submit full lists of Palestinian staff. They cited safety risks and European data protection laws. Hundreds of aid workers have been killed during the conflict, raising fears that staff information could be misused.
Israel Says Aid Will Continue
Israel’s military body that oversees aid access to Gaza said the suspended organisations account for less than 1 per cent of total aid entering the territory. It added that more than 20 other approved organisations will continue delivering assistance.
According to Israeli officials, the goal is regulation, not restriction. They argue that aid will still flow, but through groups that meet the new standards.
A Pattern of Tension
This is not the first clash between Israel and humanitarian agencies. Earlier in the war, Israel accused UN-run agencies of being infiltrated by militants. Those claims were denied by the United Nations. In January, Israel banned one major UN agency from operating on its territory, further reducing aid capacity.
As the conflict continues, the dispute highlights a deep divide. Israel stresses security and oversight. Aid groups stress access and civilian survival. For Gaza’s population, already facing shortages of food, medicine, and shelter, the outcome could be critical.
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