International non-governmental organizations had until December 31 to register under the new framework, which Israel says aims to prevent “hostile actors or supporters of terrorism” operating in the Palestinian territories, rather than to impede aid.
”Israel’s plans to block international NGOs (non governmental organization) in Gaza means blocking life-saving aid.,” declared EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib.
‘’The EU has been clear: the NGO registration law cannot be implemented in its current form. All barriers to humanitarian access must be lifted. IHL leaves no room for doubt: aid must reach those in need,’’ Lahbib, a former Belgian Foreign Minister, said on X.
Israel has decided to revoke the licences of 37 international non-governmental organisations working in Gaza and in the West Bank the occupied West Bank, saying they failed to meet requirements under new registration rules.
Organizations had until December 31 to register under the new framework, which Israel says aims to prevent “hostile actors or supporters of terrorism” operating in the Palestinian territories, rather than to impede aid.
The Diaspora Ministry announced that organizations that “refused to submit a list of their Palestinian employees in order to rule out any links to terrorism” had received notice that their licenses would be revoked as of January 1, with an obligation to cease all activities by March 1.
The official announcement says:
As of January 1, 2026, international NGOs that did not renew their registration will no longer be allowed to operate.
Organizations were notified in March 2025, given nearly ten months to comply, and granted a good-faith extension allowing continued interim operations. Those that did not complete the process were informed that their authorization would end on January 1, 2026, with an orderly withdrawal required by March 1, 2026.
The registration requirement is aimed at preventing the involvement of terrorist elements and at safeguarding the integrity of humanitarian activity, as demonstrated in past cases.
Registration remains open, organizations may still apply and applications will continue to be reviewed and processed.
Most registered NGOs are operating in the Gaza strip and will continue to do so. The overall scope of humanitarian aid (approximately 99%) is not affected by this measure. Humanitarian assistance to Gaza continues uninterrupted through the UN, donor governments, the private sector, and more than 20 approved international organizations that completed the registration process.
The list of NGOs includes multiple branches of Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam, the Danish and Norwegian Refugee Councils, Caritas Internationalis, an umbrella for Catholic charities, the Quaker-founded American Friends Service Committee and the International Rescue Committee.
The Defense Ministry said the expiration of the licenses will not affect aid provision in Gaza.