Israel has announced plans to bar 37 international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from operating in Gaza, citing their failure to comply with newly introduced security and transparency requirements.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism said the affected organisations did not meet the deadline to disclose key information, including details of their Palestinian staff, as required under revised regulations.
According to the ministry, the NGOs will have their operating licences revoked from January 1, 2026, and will be required to fully halt their activities in Gaza by March 1, 2026. The United Nations has warned that the move could further worsen the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
“Organisations that failed to meet the required security and transparency standards will have their licences suspended,” the ministry said, adding that the primary concern was the refusal to provide complete and verifiable information about employees.
Israel said the regulations were introduced to prevent what it described as the infiltration of terrorist elements into humanitarian operations. The rules require full disclosure of personnel records, funding sources, and organisational structures.
Several humanitarian groups have criticised the measures, arguing that they undermine their independence, contravene international humanitarian law, and place staff at risk. The policy has also drawn international scrutiny in the months leading up to the deadline.
The new framework was announced in March 2025, giving NGOs ten months to comply. The deadline expired on Wednesday, prompting the government to proceed with enforcement.
Humanitarian organisations have warned that the ban could severely impact aid delivery in Gaza, where an estimated 1.5 million people have been displaced amid ongoing conflict.
