Aid groups begin Gaza withdrawal after new Israeli restrictions

Several international aid organisations, including prominent British charities, have begun steps to wind down their operations in the Gaza Strip ahead of a deadline set by the Israeli authorities for 1st March 2026.

The move follows a series of measures introduced by Israel at the start of the year. According to humanitarian sources, 37 international organisations operating in Gaza and the West Bank were notified that their registration had expired, including branches of British and European groups.

Aid agencies say the new requirements include demands to submit detailed lists of Palestinian staff members and comprehensive funding data. Organisations argue that such requests breach humanitarian principles, compromise staff safety and violate data protection standards.

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Non-governmental organisations were reportedly given a 60-day notice period, beginning in January, to withdraw international staff and cease field operations if they did not comply with the new conditions.

Humanitarian experts have warned that the departure of organisations such as Action Against Hunger, and British partners of Oxfam and Save the Children, could have severe consequences.

They say supply chains for food parcels, hygiene kits and water distribution — relied upon by thousands of families — risk collapse. Medical programmes addressing acute malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women, could also be disrupted.

There are also concerns over the loss of international monitoring on the ground, with organisations often serving as independent witnesses documenting humanitarian conditions and violations.

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