Israel bars 37 international NGOs from accessing Gaza

Thursday 01 January 2026 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Israel bars 37 international NGOs from accessing Gaza

Israel has confirmed that 37 major international non-governmental organizations have been barred from accessing the Gaza Strip under new regulatory requirements, citing concerns over security and transparency.

According to Israeli authorities, the affected organizations failed to submit full and verifiable lists of their staff members, a requirement introduced earlier this year. Officials argue that the measure is intended to prevent the infiltration of militant actors into humanitarian operations.

The decision has raised fears of further delays in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, a territory heavily affected by prolonged conflict and where a large portion of the population depends on external aid for shelter, healthcare, and food supplies.

Several prominent aid groups are among those impacted, including Médecins Sans Frontières, Oxfam, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. Some organizations have stated that while they maintain strict internal compliance policies, they sought additional guarantees regarding the use and protection of sensitive staff data.

The move has drawn criticism from international actors. The European Union has called for the removal of obstacles to humanitarian access, while United Nations officials warned that suspending NGO operations could worsen an already severe humanitarian situation.

Israeli human rights organizations have also expressed concern, arguing that the restrictions undermine humanitarian work and complicate aid delivery to civilians in need.