Israel Suspends Aid Groups from Operating in Gaza

JERUSALEM – Israel announced Tuesday it had suspended the permits of approximately 25 humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and CARE, from operating in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The decision was attributed to the organizations' failure to comply with new registration rules implemented by the Israeli government.

According to Israeli officials, the new regulations aim to increase transparency regarding the aid groups' staff, funding sources, and operational activities. Israel accused some organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, of employing individuals with ties to Hamas.

The affected humanitarian organizations criticized the new rules, describing them as arbitrary and potentially endangering their staff and operations. These operations include the provision of vital services such as food distribution and healthcare to the Palestinian population. The aid groups maintain that they are committed to neutrality and impartiality in their work.

The suspension prevents the organizations from continuing their work in Gaza, where they provide essential assistance to a population struggling with the aftermath of conflict and ongoing humanitarian challenges. The ban raises concerns about the potential impact on the delivery of aid and the well-being of vulnerable Palestinians.