Israel has implemented a controversial ban on 37 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Gaza and the West Bank, effective January 1, 2026. The move follows a 10-month compliance window requiring groups to disclose detailed staff information, with Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli stating licenses were revoked for organizations failing to meet the deadline.
An anonymous Israeli official confirmed the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs identified 37 non-compliant groups. Israel claims the regulations aim to restrict organizations allegedly supporting militant activities in Palestinian territories. However, UN agencies and international aid groups warn the ban could disrupt $1 billion in annual humanitarian assistance, exacerbating Gaza's severe food insecurity and infrastructure collapse after two years of sustained conflict.
In a joint statement, 19 UN and international organization leaders urged Israel to reconsider, noting: "Banning NGOs risks undermining fragile progress made during the ceasefire." Gaza health authorities report over 71,000 fatalities and 171,000 injuries since hostilities escalated in 2023, with winter conditions worsening malnutrition risks.
