International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and humanitarian bodies have expressed concerns regarding new registration rules implemented by Israel for operations in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. These regulations, if not met by December 31, could lead to the cessation of INGO activities in Israel within 60 days.
Aid agencies indicate that non-compliance with the new rules could significantly disrupt essential services, including healthcare, in Gaza. Save the Children reported its application was not approved and is seeking reconsideration. In contrast, Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism has asserted that the withdrawal of certain organizations would not impede aid delivery. As of a recent update, 21 out of approximately 100 INGO applications have been approved, 14 rejected, and the remainder are under review.
The registration system, introduced in March, lists several conditions for rejection. These include:
- Denying Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state.
- Denying the Holocaust or the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023.
- Supporting armed struggle against Israel by an enemy state or terrorist organization.
- Promoting "delegitimization campaigns" against Israel.
- Advocating for or committing to participate in a boycott of Israel.
- Supporting the prosecution of Israeli security forces in foreign or international courts.
The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which includes UN agencies and over 200 local and international organizations, issued a statement warning that the system "fundamentally jeopardizes" INGO operations. The HCT contends that the criteria are "vague, arbitrary, and highly politicized," potentially requiring organizations to violate international legal obligations or compromise humanitarian principles. It also noted that the currently registered INGOs represent only a fraction of the necessary humanitarian response in Gaza.
INGOs are instrumental in operating or supporting a majority of Gaza's field hospitals, primary healthcare centers, emergency shelter programs, water and sanitation services, nutrition stabilization centers for children, and mine action activities. The HCT projects that if INGOs are forced to halt operations, one-third of Gaza's health facilities could close. The HCT further cautioned that this policy could have "far-reaching consequences," threaten a "fragile ceasefire," and endanger Palestinian lives, particularly during winter. The UN stated it would be unable to compensate for a collapse in INGO operations, emphasizing that the humanitarian response cannot be replaced by alternative actors not adhering to established humanitarian principles. The HCT also underscored Israel's obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure adequate supplies for Gaza's population.
An Israeli official indicated that international NGOs had been given "more than sufficient time" to complete their registration processes.