Israel has announced it will suspend the operations of more than two dozen humanitarian organizations in Gaza starting January 1, 2026, a move that will affect an estimated 25 to 38 groups, or roughly 15% of the nongovernmental organizations currently active in the territory. The decision marks a significant tightening of Israel’s oversight of aid operations amid the ongoing conflict and deepening humanitarian crisis.
Among the organizations affected is Doctors Without Borders, one of the most prominent medical aid groups operating in Gaza. Israeli authorities accused the organization of failing to comply with newly imposed registration and vetting requirements that mandate extensive disclosures regarding staff identities, funding sources, and the nature of on-the-ground activities. Officials said compliance with these rules is now a prerequisite for continued authorization to operate.
Israeli officials defended the measures as necessary to prevent humanitarian aid networks from being exploited by militant groups, specifically Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. According to the government, intelligence assessments indicate that armed factions have sought to infiltrate or leverage aid structures to support their operations, prompting the introduction of stricter controls.
The suspension of such a large number of organizations is expected to intensify scrutiny of Israel’s management of humanitarian access to Gaza. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that restrictions on their work risk worsening shortages of medical care, food, and essential services for civilians, particularly as infrastructure and health systems remain under severe strain.
