Background on the Key Players and Context
The Israeli government, led by Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Anti-Semitism Amichai Chikli, announced that 37 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Médicins Sans Frontières (MSF), will have their licenses revoked starting January 1, 2026. This decision stems from the NGOs’ failure to comply with new legal registration requirements for conducting humanitarian activities in Palestinian territories.
These NGOs were asked to submit detailed organizational and operational documents within ten months, including a list of all employees. The new regulations allow the denial of permits if an organization is suspected of collaborating with groups deemed “terrorist” by Israel, such as the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
Who are Médicins Sans Frontières (MSF)?
Médicins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian medical non-governmental organization known for providing medical aid in war zones, natural disasters, and epidemics. They have been operating in Palestinian territories, offering healthcare services and support.
Reasons for License Revocation
The Israeli authorities claim that the NGOs, including MSF, have not complied with the new registration requirements. These conditions aim to prevent the exploitation of humanitarian aid by Hamas, which has allegedly operated under the cover of certain international aid organizations in the past.
What are the new registration requirements?
- Submission of detailed organizational and operational documents within ten months.
- Provision of a comprehensive list of employees.
- Prohibition on including international staff with specialized knowledge (e.g., health, water, sanitation) without registration.
- Restriction on introducing essential aid supplies across borders controlled by Israel into Gaza or the West Bank.
Impact on Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli military authority responsible for Palestinian territories, stated that the decision would not affect future humanitarian aid volumes entering Gaza.
- NGOs targeted for license revocation did not transport aid to Gaza during the ongoing ceasefire.
- Their combined contribution previously accounted for only about 1% of the total humanitarian aid volume.
COGAT argues that the stricter registration conditions aim to prevent Hamas from exploiting humanitarian aid, either knowingly or unknowingly.
Allegations Against MSF
The COGAT accused MSF of refusing to provide the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs with a list of employees according to the new registration requirements. These rules also allow denying operational permits to entities that “promote the delegitimization of the State of Israel” or deny its existence as a democratic state.
Israeli authorities claim that in June 2024, a member of Yihad Islámica was identified as an MSF worker, and in September 2024, another MSF employee was identified as a Hamas sniper.
International Response
UN organizations and NGOs working in Gaza have demanded the “immediate” removal of barriers to access and humanitarian operations in the occupied Palestinian territory. They emphasize that these organizations’ work is “irreplaceable.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the reason for revoking NGO licenses? The Israeli government claims that the NGOs failed to comply with new registration requirements designed to prevent Hamas from exploiting humanitarian aid.
- Who is Médicins Sans Frontières (MSF)? MSF is an international humanitarian medical NGO providing aid in conflict zones, disaster areas, and epidemics.
- What are the new registration requirements? NGOs must submit detailed organizational and operational documents, provide a comprehensive list of employees, and adhere to restrictions on international staff with specialized knowledge and aid supplies.
- How will this decision impact humanitarian aid in Gaza? COGAT claims the decision won’t affect aid volumes, as targeted NGOs have minimal contribution to total aid.
- What allegations are made against MSF? Israeli authorities accuse MSF of refusing to provide employee lists and allege that MSF members have ties to Hamas.
- How have international organizations responded? UN and NGO partners in Gaza demand the immediate removal of barriers to access and humanitarian operations, emphasizing their irreplaceable work.
