Tensions between Israel and international aid groups have escalated, with the Israeli government announcing intentions to halt the activities of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, in Gaza. This decision stems from the organization’s refusal to submit a complete list of its employees in the region, citing serious concerns for their safety.
The conflict arose after Israel mandated that 37 humanitarian organizations provide detailed information about their local and international staff working in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Officials in Israel claim this requirement is essential to prevent potential infiltration by members of groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad. MSF has strongly rejected any such allegations regarding its personnel.
On Friday, MSF publicly stated that it could not comply with the request without firm guarantees from Israeli authorities to protect its team members. The group explained that despite offering to share the names under strict conditions focused on staff security, negotiations failed to yield the necessary assurances. Specifically, MSF sought commitments that the information would only be used for administrative purposes and would not endanger anyone.
In retaliation, Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism declared it was proceeding to end MSF’s operations in Gaza. This follows a broader directive issued on December 30, where Israel revoked the operating licenses of these 37 NGOs, including prominent ones like ActionAid and the Norwegian Refugee Council. The government justified the action as a measure to safeguard against terrorist elements embedding within aid structures.
The affected organizations were given a 60-day window to cease activities, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. Ten nations, among them the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, have condemned the policy, warning that it could severely disrupt the delivery of critical services to Palestinians in need.
Experts highlight the potential fallout on Gaza’s already strained healthcare system. Sam Rose, who oversees Gaza operations for the United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), described the ban as having “significant adverse effects” on international groups’ capacity to deliver medical care in the area. He pointed out that MSF’s decision is understandable given the high number of aid workers killed during the conflict over 1,700 healthcare professionals, including 15 from MSF itself.
MSF plays a vital role in Gaza’s medical infrastructure, accounting for about 20% of available hospital beds and running approximately 20 health clinics. In the previous year alone, the organization conducted over 800,000 consultations, assisted with more than 10,000 births, and supplied clean drinking water to communities. Losing their presence could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
This development unfolds against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, which ignited on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that resulted in around 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals. Israel’s subsequent military response has led to widespread devastation, with the health ministry in Gaza, run by Hamas, reporting over 71,660 fatalities. Even after a ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025, violence persists, with at least 509 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers killed in the interim.
The standoff underscores the challenges faced by aid organizations in conflict zones, balancing operational needs with the safety of their staff amid accusations and regulatory pressures.
Summary
Israel is set to ban Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) from Gaza after the aid group declined to provide a staff list without safety guarantees, amid claims of links to armed groups. This is part of a wider revocation of licenses for 37 NGOs, condemned by 10 countries including the UK and France. MSF, which provides 20% of Gaza’s hospital beds and essential services, warns of risks to staff following the deaths of 1,700 healthcare workers. The move highlights ongoing tensions in the Israel-Gaza conflict, with over 71,660 deaths reported since October 2023.
This article is based on original reporting from BBC News.