Israel to revoke permits of international aid groups operating in West Bank, Gaza

Israeli occupation authorities have notified more than ten international humanitarian organisations that their permits to operate in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip will be revoked, according to local reports.

A correspondent said the organisations affected include Doctors Without Borders and other international aid groups that are among the most active in providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

According to the Israeli notice, the permits will be withdrawn from 1 January 2026, and the organisations have been instructed to cease all operations by 1 March 2026.

Israeli authorities said the decision was taken because the organisations allegedly failed to complete newly required registration procedures for humanitarian work.

However, a source within one of the affected organisations said the dispute stems from an Israeli requirement that aid groups submit lists of Palestinian employees for so-called “security vetting”. The source said some organisations complied with the demand, while others refused.

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Israeli authorities have claimed that some staff members working for the organisations are involved in what they described as “terrorist activity”. The source rejected the accusations, saying they are being used as a pretext to obstruct and restrict humanitarian work.

The decision is expected to result in the suspension of humanitarian operations by the affected organisations, the dismissal of hundreds of employees, and a further weakening of efforts to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Aid groups have repeatedly warned that any reduction in humanitarian presence would have severe consequences for civilians in Gaza, where basic services and lifesaving assistance already face extreme strain.

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