Israel has decided to revoke the licenses of 37 aid organizations operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The decision, announced to take effect from January 1, will also suspend the licenses of well-known international groups such as ActionAid, the International Rescue Committee, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, with their operations required to cease within 60 days.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned Israel’s move, saying it would obstruct and weaken UNRWA’s operational capacity in Gaza. He stated that the decision is inconsistent with international legal frameworks and should be immediately withdrawn. Guterres emphasized that UNRWA is an integral part of the United Nations and reminded Israel of its obligations under the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
The Israeli authorities said the action was taken because the organizations failed to meet new registration policy requirements.