Tel aviv: Israel's decision to revoke the licenses of 37 international humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza has sparked criticism from aid groups and experts, who warn the move is political in nature and could further restrict life-saving assistance for Palestinians already facing severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical care.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, Israel announced that as of January 1, it would terminate the activities of these aid organizations, citing their refusal to submit staff lists and comply with new security registration procedures. The affected groups have been instructed to leave by March 1.
Under the new regulation, the operations of major humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Oxfam, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Caritas, CARE, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), are expected to be suspended. A law adopted by Israel in March 2025 requires aid organizations to renew their licenses and submit identity information for all Palestinian staff members for security screening.
International aid groups argue that the new requirements raise significant concerns over data protection and the potential misuse of personal information. Organizations whose licenses are revoked risk being forced to close offices in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem-all parts of the occupied Palestinian territory.
Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam's policy lead for the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza, and Kelly Flynn, Norwegian People's Aid's country director in Palestine, discussed with Anadolu what they perceive as Israeli efforts to obstruct humanitarian operations.
Khalidi described Israel's move as 'political,' highlighting that it is part of a long-standing campaign against civil society. She emphasized that the new regulations rely on vague justifications and demand sensitive personal information about aid workers and their families, viewing it as a policy to exert more control over Palestinian civic and humanitarian space.
Khalidi pointed out that humanitarian organizations in Palestine operate under the strictest rules and vetting systems globally. She noted that there has been no evidence of aid diversion or systematic infiltration of armed groups into humanitarian organizations. She warned that the measures undermine humanitarian principles and will deprive Palestinians of essential resources like food, water, and shelter.
Flynn highlighted Israel's legal obligations as both a party to the conflict and an occupying power, emphasizing the need for Israel to allow aid organizations to deliver services on the ground. She noted that the new restrictions apply not only to Gaza but also to all occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
Flynn mentioned that EU and UN member states have voiced support for a coordinated humanitarian response, with joint statements from Western governments and regional nations. She stressed the importance of negotiating with Israel to ensure continued humanitarian operations during the critical winter period, advocating for better cooperation and access to aid.