Photograph: Haitham Imad/EPAIsrael is facing growing international criticism over its decision to close down dozens of international groups providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza on the basis that they failed to meet requirements under new registration rules. Israel took the decision to revoke the licences of 37 aid groups working in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, claiming they failed to meet requirements under new registration rules. Israel’s decision came after what it claims were violations of security and transparency standards and alleged links between affiliates of certain organisations and militant groups in Gaza. Israel has frequently accused Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza of diverting aid. Cogat, the Israeli body that oversees humanitarian aid to Gaza, said the suspended organisations contribute less than 1 per cent of total aid entering Gaza and that assistance will continue through NGOs with permits to operate.

Source: The Irish Times January 01, 2026 04:39 UTC