Why Is Israel Revoking Licenses for 37 Aid Groups in Gaza?

Israel's decision to revoke the licenses of 37 international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank is set to significantly affect humanitarian aid in the region. The organisations, including well-known entities like ActionAid and the International Rescue Committee, will cease operations by 1 January due to failure to comply with new registration rules requiring complete disclosure of staff details. This development has drawn widespread criticism from foreign ministers of ten nations, including the UK, who argue that it will worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

On 1 January 2024, Israel will suspend the licenses of 37 INGOs operating in Gaza and the West Bank, which includes prominent organisations such as ActionAid, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the International Rescue Committee. This decision follows the implementation of new registration rules that the Israeli government claims are necessary for security reasons, particularly to prevent potential infiltration of terrorist operatives into humanitarian operations. The affected organisations have been accused of failing to submit complete personal information about their staff as required under the new regulations.

Key takeaways

Israel will revoke the licenses of 37 aid groups in Gaza and the West Bank on 1 January 2024.
The move has been condemned by foreign ministers from ten countries, citing adverse humanitarian impacts.
Israel claims the new regulations aim to enhance security and aid delivery integrity.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation has evolved significantly in recent months, particularly since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. Below is a brief timeline of key events:

October 2023: A ceasefire is brokered between Israel and Hamas, leading to temporary improvements in humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
November 2023: UN experts report improvements in nutrition and food supplies, although 100,000 people still face catastrophic conditions.
December 2023: Israel announces the new registration requirements for INGOs, citing security concerns.
1 January 2024: Licenses of 37 INGOs will be revoked, halting their operations within 60 days.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest development is the formal announcement regarding the revocation of the INGOs' licenses, which will lead to a significant reduction in humanitarian aid just as conditions in Gaza remain precarious. The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs has indicated that the closure of these organisations will not affect the overall humanitarian assistance flow, claiming that aid will continue through approved channels.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, there were growing concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with various UN agencies and humanitarian organisations warning that the conditions were catastrophic. The new registration system introduced by Israel has faced criticism for being overly restrictive and potentially violating international humanitarian laws.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK citizens, the suspension of these INGOs may indirectly impact access to humanitarian support and services in Gaza, which can affect broader geopolitical stability in the region. The UK's foreign ministers have already expressed concerns about the implications for healthcare and essential services.

Businesses and jobs

While the direct impact on UK businesses may be minimal, the reputational risk associated with the humanitarian situation in Gaza could affect companies engaged in international aid and development work. The potential reduction in operational capability of these organisations may also hinder job creation in the humanitarian sector.

Policy and regulation

The UK government, along with its allies, has called for Israel to ensure that humanitarian organisations can operate freely and effectively. The upcoming political discussions may focus on easing restrictions to facilitate aid, highlighting the need for balanced approaches to security and humanitarian needs.

Numbers that matter

37: The number of INGOs whose licenses are being revoked by Israel.
10: The number of countries, including the UK, that have condemned the decision to suspend these aid groups.
1%: The estimated contribution of the suspended organisations to the total aid volume in Gaza.
100,000: The number of people in Gaza still facing catastrophic conditions despite some improvements.
15%: The percentage of organisations found in violation of the new registration framework.

Definitions and jargon buster

INGO: International Non-Governmental Organisation, a non-profit organisation that operates independently of any government, typically focused on humanitarian or development assistance.
Humanitarian Country Team: A consortium of UN agencies and local and international organisations that coordinate humanitarian efforts in a specific country or region.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus will likely be on monitoring the humanitarian conditions in Gaza as the suspension of these organisations takes effect. The international community will need to respond to the potential escalation of humanitarian crises.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, the effectiveness of the remaining humanitarian channels will be crucial. Observers will be watching to see if the Israeli government makes further changes to the registration process or if new organisations can fill the gap left by the suspended INGOs.

Signals to watch

Statements from the Israeli government regarding humanitarian assistance protocols.
Reports from UN agencies on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Responses from foreign governments and international organisations regarding the operational status of humanitarian aid delivery.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and follow updates from reliable sources.
Support initiatives that advocate for humanitarian access and compliance with international law.

Don’t

Don’t rely solely on media reports; seek information from multiple channels to understand the full context.
Don’t dismiss the implications of humanitarian aid restrictions on regional stability.

Checklist

Review updates from the UK government regarding international humanitarian policy.
Monitor the status of INGOs and their capacity to operate in the region.
Engage with discussions around humanitarian law and rights advocacy.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation remains fluid, with potential changes in both the humanitarian landscape and Israeli policy. There are concerns about the adequacy of remaining aid channels and the potential for further restrictions on humanitarian operations. Moreover, the impact of this decision on the ground in Gaza may vary, depending on the responsiveness of alternative aid providers and the evolving political context.

Bottom line

The revocation of licenses for 37 INGOs operating in Gaza and the West Bank poses significant risks to the already precarious humanitarian situation in the region. As the world watches, the need for effective humanitarian access and adherence to international law becomes ever more critical.

FAQs

Why is Israel revoking the licenses of these INGOs?

Israel claims that the INGOs failed to provide complete personal details of their staff, which is required under new registration rules aimed at preventing security risks.

What impact will this have on humanitarian aid in Gaza?

The suspension of these organisations could severely limit access to essential services, including healthcare, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

What are the concerns of foreign governments regarding this decision?

Foreign ministers from ten countries, including the UK, have expressed that the new rules are overly restrictive and could lead to a humanitarian crisis in the region.