Diaspora Ministry moves decisively as NGO chief exposes internal bias and politicized narratives.
Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism announced that Oxfam will end its operations in Gaza effective February 28, 2026. The decision was made under the Ministry’s authority to oversee the registration of humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and Judea and Samaria.
The move follows a February 13 interview on Channel 4 News in which Oxfam CEO Halima Begum revealed internal tensions within the organization. She alleged that she faced pressure to characterize events in Gaza as “genocide” without what she described as sufficient factual grounding.
Begum also accused elements of Oxfam’s leadership of antisemitism and maintaining what she called a disproportionate and irrational focus on Israel compared to other global humanitarian crises.
Israeli Officials Cite Pattern of Bias
Amichai Chikli stated that the CEO’s remarks highlight what he described as entrenched antisemitic narratives within the organization.
According to Chikli, when the organization’s own leader acknowledges internal bias, it amplifies concerns about neutrality and professional conduct in conflict zones.
Director General Avi Cohen-Scali added that international organizations operating under humanitarian banners must adhere to transparency and neutrality standards, particularly in sensitive security environments.
Earlier this month, the Ministry also announced that Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) would end its operations in Gaza by February 28 after failing to submit required lists of local employees — a compliance measure applied uniformly to all humanitarian groups operating in the region.
Israeli officials argue that oversight mechanisms are necessary to prevent politicization, ensure accountability, and safeguard against potential security risks.
Policy Shift Toward Accountability
The developments signal a firmer regulatory stance by Israel toward international NGOs active in Gaza and Judea and Samaria. Authorities emphasize that humanitarian work must remain impartial and free of political or ideological bias.
The February 28 deadline now marks a significant transition in Gaza’s NGO landscape, as Israel tightens standards governing organizations operating within conflict-sensitive areas.
