Israel’s Ban on 37 Gaza NGOs Takes Effect Amid UN Warnings
Today, on Thursday, January 1, 2026, Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs announced that it has revoked the licenses of 37 aid organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank. The decision comes after a 10-month deadline for NGOs to submit detailed staff information expired last night.
According to Minister Amichai Chikli, groups that didn’t meet the new requirements "had their licenses revoked today." An anonymous government official confirmed the list includes 37 organizations that fell short of rules aimed at barring groups Israel alleges support militant activity.
🚨 UN and major aid agencies have been urging Israel to reconsider, warning the ban could have "devastating" consequences—especially as winter sets in. ❄️ Gaza families are already facing acute food insecurity and dire living conditions.
Why It Matters
- Humanitarian impact: International NGOs deliver nearly $1 billion in aid to Palestinians each year.
- Winter hardship: Cold weather compounds hunger and health risks.
- Fragile progress: Ongoing ceasefire efforts risk unraveling without these organizations on the ground.
More than two years of conflict have left Gaza in ruins. Gaza-based health authorities report at least 71,269 killed and 171,232 injured since the strikes began. 💔
The international community is watching closely as this policy unfolds. For now, Gaza’s most vulnerable populations may face even greater challenges accessing food, medicine, and essential services.
Source: Xinhua
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
