Wed Dec 31 15:00:02 UTC 2025: News Article:

Israel to Ban 37 Aid Organizations in Gaza Over Staffing Data Dispute

Jerusalem – December 31, 2025 – Israel has announced it will ban 37 aid organizations from operating in Gaza starting January 1, 2026, unless they comply with new guidelines requiring detailed information on their Palestinian staff. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations and the European Union, who warn it will severely hinder the delivery of life-saving aid to the devastated territory.

Israeli officials claim the new regulations are necessary to prevent organizations supporting terrorism from operating in Gaza, citing concerns that some Palestinian staff members may be linked to Hamas. Gilad Zwick, a spokesman for the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, stated that the targeted NGOs have failed to meet the requirements despite having had 10 months to do so.

Aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the Norwegian Refugee Council, World Vision International, CARE, and Oxfam, refuse to provide the requested staff lists, fearing potential repercussions for their employees. MSF has already been singled out by Israel, accused of employing members of Palestinian militant groups.

The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, has called Israel’s decision “outrageous,” warning that it will exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The EU has echoed these concerns, stating that the new law cannot be implemented in its current form and that aid must reach those in need.

Ten countries, including France and the United Kingdom, had previously urged Israel to guarantee aid access to Gaza, where 1.3 million people are still in need of urgent shelter support. While a ceasefire agreement in October 2023 stipulated the entry of 600 aid trucks per day, NGOs and the UN report that only 100 to 300 are currently entering. COGAT claims the number is closer to 600 daily.

The ban comes as a fragile ceasefire remains in place following Israel’s military response to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. Israel has also stated that any act of “de-legitimizing” Israel or denying the events surrounding the October 7th attack would be grounds for license withdrawal for NGOs operating in the territory. The situation remains tense, with international bodies urging Israel to reconsider its decision and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to the 2.2 million residents of Gaza.

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