Israeli forces continued deadly operations in Gaza and the West Bank at the start of 2026, killing Palestinians including a child in Jabalia and a man near Nablus. Settler violence, such as mosque vandalism, persisted alongside demolitions in refugee camps. Post-ceasefire casualties have surpassed 400.
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas, effective October 2025, required Israel to allow hundreds of aid trucks into Gaza daily. Yet Israel implemented a January 1 ban on 37 international NGOs for failing new registration rules, which demand personal data on Palestinian staff—raising fears of targeting by Israeli military.
Gaza’s Government Media Office reports Israel has killed about 500 aid workers since October 2023. Doctors Without Borders (MSF), among the banned groups, stated 15 of its staff were killed by Israeli forces.
Harsh winter conditions exacerbate the blockade's toll. Flooded camps, collapsing damaged buildings, and hypothermia have killed several, including children, amid malnutrition. Hundreds of thousands of families huddle in overcrowded tents after homes were destroyed in Israel's war.
These 37 organizations provide essential services like healthcare, food, shelter, water, sanitation, education, and psychological support:
Action Against Hunger
- ActionAid
- Alianza por la Solidaridad
- Campaign for the Children of Palestine
- CARE
- DanChurchAid
- Danish Refugee Council
- Handicap International: Humanity & Inclusion
- Japan International Volunteer Center
- Medecins du Monde France
- Medecins du Monde Switzerland
- Medecins Sans Frontieres Belgium
- Medecins Sans Frontieres France
- Medecins Sans Frontieres Netherlands
- Medecins Sans Frontieres Spain
- Medicos del Mundo
- Mercy Corps
- Norwegian Refugee Council
- Oxfam Novib (Oxfam’s Dutch affiliate)
- Premiere Urgence Internationale
- Terre des hommes Lausanne
- International Rescue Committee
- WeWorld-GVC
- World Vision International
- Relief International
- Fondazione AVSI
- Movement for Peace-MPDL
- American Friends Service Committee
- Medico International
- Palestine Solidarity Association in Sweden
- Defense for Children International
- Medical Aid for Palestinians UK
- Caritas Internationalis
- Caritas Jerusalem
- Near East Council of Churches
- Oxfam Quebec
- War Child Holland
This echoes prior actions: In 2024, Israel banned UNRWA, alleging staff involvement in Hamas's October 7 attacks—a claim the ICJ deemed unsubstantiated in October 2025. The ban crippled UNRWA's aid, education, and health services, prompting funding cuts from the U.S. and others (many later restored).
UN data shows Israel has killed 579 aid workers (nearly 400 from UNRWA), over 1,700 health workers, 140 civil defense staff, and 256 journalists since October 7, 2023. Total Gaza deaths exceed 71,000 confirmed, with estimates up to 3-5 times higher.
