Israel has banned 37 humanitarian NGOs in Gaza from January 1, 2026, citing security concerns. Critics warn this will worsen food and medical shortages for civilians already reeling from conflict and displacement since October 2023.
Israel Bans 37 Humanitarian Aid Groups in Gaza
New Delhi: The new year did not ring in cheer and joy for Palestinians despite the ceasefire by Israel. Palestinians might have survived the war, but their existence is traumatized by the lack of humanitarian aid. The ban on 37 NGOs in Gaza from January 1, 2026, is likely to spell food and medical crises for the people living in makeshift tents.
Palestine's Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, in an exclusive interview to Dynamite News, said, “At least 650 humanitarian aid trucks are required in Gaza, but Israel allows around 100 trucks with aid to come in.” This creates a shortfall of basic amenities. Israel has issued new directives for NGOs operating in Gaza from January 1, 2026. NGOs are required to comply with new registration rules.
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The new directives include an ideological prerequisite of loyalty towards Israel. NGOs that worked against the interests of Israel, boycotted Israel, supported the Hamas October 7, 2023 attack, or expressed support to any international organization like the International Court of Justice against Israeli soldiers or leaders will not be allowed to operate in Gaza.
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Israel also requires all NGOs to provide detailed information on Palestinian staff. This move has been criticized by the United Nations and the European Union.
Israel has justified this move by saying that it is intended to prevent Hamas or other militant groups from infiltrating NGOs or aid organizations. Israel claims some NGO workers are suspected of being affiliated with Hamas or Islamic Jihad, siphoning off aid supplies.
Humanitarian aid organizations say these are arbitrary accusations. They argue that the new Israeli guidelines will harm the interests of the civilian population. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs in Israel said that more than 30 NGOs operating in Gaza have failed to comply, and their operations have been banned.
Some international humanitarian organizations, like Doctors Without Borders (MSF), warn this will have a catastrophic impact on Gaza’s healthcare system.
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The Gaza Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, said more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s assault on October 7, 2023, while nearly two million people were displaced from their homes.
If Israel restricts or bans 37 NGOs working in Gaza, it will add to the humanitarian crisis. Most people in Gaza live below the poverty line, and infrastructure destruction continues to aggravate uncertainty in the lives of civilians.
