Israel announced Tuesday it will halt operations of more than two dozen humanitarian organizations in Gaza, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), starting Jan. 1, citing their failure to meet new vetting rules.
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said the organizations did not provide sufficient details on staff, funding, and operations. Israel accused some MSF staff of alleged ties to Hamas and other militant groups, claims the group has strongly denied.
The ministry noted that about 25 organizations, representing 15% of NGOs operating in Gaza, will not have their permits renewed. International organizations criticized Israel’s rules as arbitrary and warned that they could put aid workers at risk.
Tensions have escalated over aid in Gaza since the two-year war ended with a ceasefire on Oct. 10. Israel maintains it is fulfilling aid commitments under the ceasefire, while humanitarian groups say more assistance is urgently needed for the territory’s two million residents.
Doctors Without Borders said in 2024 it took allegations of staff involvement in military activities “very seriously” and reiterated it would never knowingly employ individuals engaged in such actions.