Security-first oversight preserves humanitarian aid, blocks terror exploitation, and exposes double standards facing Israel’s defensive measures.
Israel issued a formal clarification of its policy toward international NGOs operating in Gaza, stating that as of January 1, 2026, organizations that failed to renew their registration will no longer be permitted to operate. An orderly withdrawal period is set to conclude by March 1, 2026.
According to Israeli authorities, NGOs were notified in March 2025 of updated registration requirements, given nearly ten months to comply, and granted a good-faith extension allowing interim operations. Organizations that did not complete the process were informed in advance that their authorization would lapse.
The policy, Israel said, is designed to prevent terrorist infiltration and safeguard humanitarian integrity, citing past cases in which aid frameworks were allegedly exploited by Hamas during the war. Registration remains open, applications are still being reviewed, and most NGOs have complied.
Israeli officials emphasized that approximately 99% of humanitarian aid to Gaza remains unaffected, continuing through the United Nations, donor governments, private-sector partners, and more than 20 approved international organizations that completed registration.
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said NGOs losing permits failed to meet updated disclosure requirements regarding staff, funding, and operational transparency. It cited concerns about Doctors Without Borders (MSF) not fully clarifying the roles of certain staff members alleged by Israel to have links to terrorist groups—an allegation MSF has previously denied.
Other organizations affected include Norwegian Refugee Council, CARE International, International Rescue Committee, and branches of Oxfam and Caritas. In total, about 25 organizations—roughly 15% of NGOs operating in Gaza—did not have permits renewed.
International critics labeled the regulations restrictive. Israeli officials countered that humanitarian aid is welcome, but terror exploitation is not. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said Israel will not tolerate abuse of aid channels while its citizens are under attack.
The COGAT added that the affected organizations account for less than 1% of aid entering Gaza, underscoring that assistance will continue uninterrupted through approved, transparent channels.
