Israel has announced it will suspend the operations of more than two dozen international humanitarian organisations working in Gaza, including the prominent medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The move, set to take effect from 1 January 2026, follows a dispute over new Israeli regulations for vetting aid groups.
New Vetting Rules Spark Clash
On Tuesday, 31 December 2025, Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs stated that the organisations facing suspension had failed to meet newly imposed requirements. These rules mandate that groups share detailed information on their staff, funding sources, and operational activities.
The ministry specifically accused Doctors Without Borders, one of the largest healthcare providers in the besieged territory, of not clarifying the roles of certain staff members. Israel alleges these individuals cooperated with Hamas and other militant groups. MSF has not yet issued a public comment on the latest allegations.
Widespread Impact on Gaza Aid
The suspension will affect approximately 25 organisations, which represents around 15 per cent of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Gaza. International aid agencies have criticised Israel's new rules, labelling them as arbitrary and warning they could endanger humanitarian staff on the ground.
This development intensifies the long-running friction between Israel and aid groups over the flow of assistance into Gaza. Israel maintains it is fulfilling the aid commitments agreed in the latest ceasefire of the two-year war, which began on 10 October. However, humanitarian organisations contest Israel's figures, arguing that far more aid is critically needed for Gaza's over two million residents.
Background of Allegations and Tensions
This is not the first time MSF has faced accusations from Israeli authorities. In 2024, Israel alleged that some of the group's staff were involved in military activities in Gaza. At that time, MSF expressed deep concern and stated it took the claims seriously, affirming it would never knowingly employ individuals engaged in military action.
The impending suspension from January 2026 marks a significant escalation in Israel's oversight of international aid work in Gaza, raising profound concerns about the future capacity to deliver essential services in one of the world's most devastated regions.
