Israel has announced the revocation of licences for 37 international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that operate in the Ga-za Strip, effective from January 1 and requiring them to cease activities by March 1, 2026, unless they comply with new regulatory requirements, the government said. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism stated that the organisations failed to meet security and transparency standards, including full disclosure of personnel, funding sources, and operational information—a condition imposed to prevent what Israel describes as the exploitation of humanitarian structures by militant groups. 

The list of affected groups includes major humanitarian actors such as Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), the Norwegian Refugee Council, World Vision International, Oxfam, CARE International and the International Rescue Committee, according to government statements and media reports. Israel says only a small proportion of aid comes from the revoked organisations and that overall humanitarian assistance will continue through NGOs that meet the new requirements. Officials claim the measures are aimed at mitigating risks of aid being diverted to militant activities. 

The decision has drawn widespread international criticism and humanitarian concern, with the United Nations and several foreign ministers warning it will exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in Ga-za. Critics say the requirements oppose with international humanitarian law and undermine the neutrality and independence of aid work. Aid groups and rights organisations have warned the ban risks disrupting critical services, such as medical care, food distribution, shelter and water-sanitation support, in a territory where large segments of the population remain displaced and in need, especially during winter months.