Israel to Suspend Authorizations for 37 Humanitarian Groups in Gaza

According to the BBC, Israel says it will suspend the authorisations of 37 humanitarian organisations working in Gaza and the occupied West Bank on 1 January, ordering them to wind down and leave within about 60 days.

Israeli officials say the new registration rules are meant to stop militants infiltrating aid structures and require detailed staff information, including lists of Palestinian employees for review. COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing Gaza’s crossings, says the targeted groups were not major contributors, claiming they did not bring aid during the current ceasefire and that their combined share historically was about 1% of total aid volume.

Foreign ministers from 10 countries criticised the rules as restrictive and unacceptable, warning closures would cut access to essential services such as healthcare in what they called a catastrophic humanitarian situation. UN-linked humanitarian coordinators have also warned the system could undermine aid operations central to Gaza’s health, shelter, water and sanitation, nutrition and mine-action response.

The New York Times highlights Doctors Without Borders among the organisations facing suspension, and reports the group says it supports about 20% of Gaza’s hospital beds and helps deliver one in three babies, warning the decision could have devastating consequences. Israel says aid will continue through approved and vetted channels, including UN agencies and bilateral partners.