Israel to Bar 37 Aid Groups as UK and EU Warn of Severe Impact in Gaza

Israel’s recent decision to bar 37 international aid organisations from operating in Gaza has raised alarms across the globe. The United Kingdom, the European Union, and multiple other countries have warned that this move could severely disrupt humanitarian efforts, leaving civilians in Gaza at greater risk.
The ban, set to take effect in January 2026, comes amid new Israeli regulations requiring NGOs to meet strict transparency and security standards. According to Israeli authorities, the affected organisations failed to provide detailed information about their Palestinian staff and operations — a step the government says is necessary to ensure security.
However, humanitarian groups and international critics argue that these requirements are excessive and arbitrary. They warn that halting operations of these NGOs could worsen an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Why Israel Says the Ban Is Necessary
Israeli officials insist that the new rules are a matter of national security. NGOs operating in Gaza must disclose detailed staff information and prove compliance with rigorous vetting processes. Authorities claim that failing to meet these standards threatens security and undermines oversight of aid operations.
The 37 organisations affected include globally recognised NGOs such as Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), Oxfam, World Vision International, CARE International, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. These groups provide essential services like healthcare, food, shelter, and water sanitation — services critical to millions of Gazans.
Israeli authorities have stated that humanitarian assistance will continue through approved channels, including UN agencies and vetted partners. They argue that the barred groups account for a relatively small percentage of overall aid entering Gaza.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Backlash
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the UK, EU, and other Western nations, who warn that removing these organisations will obstruct life-saving aid. EU humanitarian chief Hadja Lahbib emphasized that international humanitarian law demands assistance reach civilians, especially in conflict zones.
The United Nations rights chief called the ban “arbitrary” and urged Israel to reconsider, saying the suspension will make “an already intolerable situation even worse.” Several foreign ministers, including from the UK, Canada, France, and Japan, echoed these concerns, highlighting the urgent need for food, medical care, and shelter in Gaza.
The Risk for Civilians
Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains fragile and precarious. Even before the ban, many hospitals operated at limited capacity, food and water supplies were insufficient, and winter storms destroyed temporary shelters.
By removing 37 major aid organisations, critics say Israel risks creating dangerous gaps in essential services. Many local Gazans rely on these NGOs for survival, and UN agencies alone may struggle to fill the void. Without continued support, the region faces the potential for increased malnutrition, medical crises, and deteriorating living conditions.
Data Protection and Safety Issues
A major concern cited by several NGOs is the safety of their Palestinian staff. Sharing detailed personal data with the Israeli government could put employees at risk, especially in a politically sensitive environment.
Doctors Without Borders and other organisations have publicly stated that they take staff safety seriously and rigorously screen employees to ensure no connections to militant groups. They continue negotiations to clarify misunderstandings and find ways to continue operations safely.
What the International Community Is Doing
Western governments, UN agencies, and civil society organisations are pressing Israel to allow predictable and unhindered humanitarian access. They stress that aid delivery should remain independent of political disputes and focused solely on protecting civilians.
At the same time, Israel maintains that transparency and security compliance are essential to preventing misuse of aid and maintaining safety in conflict zones. This tension highlights the complexity of delivering humanitarian assistance in politically charged areas.
Looking Ahead
As the ban takes effect, Gaza’s humanitarian landscape faces new challenges. How international actors, aid organisations, and Israel respond in the coming months could determine whether relief efforts succeed or falter.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of how political decisions directly affect the lives of civilians, and the importance of maintaining access to humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
In 2026, the world will be watching closely as Gaza navigates these unprecedented restrictions, and whether diplomatic pressure can prevent a worsening crisis.