On Thursday, January 1, 2026, Israel's new ban on 37 aid organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank officially took effect 🚨. As winter brings colder temperatures and a rise in humanitarian needs, critics warn the move could deepen the crisis ❄️.
Under the regulations, NGOs had 10 months to submit detailed information about their staff and operations. The deadline expired at midnight on December 31, 2025, and groups that failed to comply "had their licenses revoked today," said Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli.
An Israeli government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that 37 organizations did not meet the new requirements and are now barred from entering the Palestinian territories.
Israel says the measures aim to prevent groups alleged to have supported militant activity from operating in Gaza and the West Bank.
A day earlier, senior officials from 19 UN humanitarian agencies and leading international relief organizations issued a joint statement urging a rethink. They warned that banning NGOs could have "devastating" consequences, especially as high acute food insecurity persists and life-saving aid remains critical.
These international organizations deliver close to $1 billion in assistance to the region annually, providing food, medical care, and essential support to thousands of families.
Over more than two years of military operations, Gaza has been left in ruins. Local health authorities report at least 71,269 people killed and 171,232 wounded, while hunger and malnutrition affect large parts of the population.
As these new restrictions reshape the humanitarian landscape, the coming months will test both the resilience of communities and the response of international partners. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
