News|Humanitarian CrisesAid groups petition Israeli Supreme Court as Gaza, West Bank work ban nearsIsrael has ordered 37 aid groups to halt life-saving operations in war-torn Gaza, as well as the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Several international aid organizations have requested the intervention of Israel’s Supreme Court to continue their operations in the Gaza Strip and other regions within the occupied Palestinian territories. The Israeli government plans to halt the activities of 37 aid groups across Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem starting March 1. This decision may significantly impact the humanitarian situation in these areas.

On Tuesday, the aid groups announced that they have filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, requesting an urgent interim injunction to delay the enforcement of this decision while a full judicial review is conducted.

Oxfam International has indicated that the cessation of aid operations could commence as early as Saturday. The organization has expressed concerns that the closure could have immediate repercussions on the broader humanitarian system.

In the Gaza Strip, external assistance remains critical for families due to ongoing restrictions on aid entry and recent military strikes. In the West Bank, military actions and settlement activities are increasing humanitarian needs.

Aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and CARE, were informed by Israeli authorities on December 30, 2025, of the expiration of their work registrations. They have been given a deadline of 60 days to renew their registrations and submit personal details of their Palestinian staff.

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the suspension of their operations in the affected regions from March 1. The organizations have expressed concerns that providing such information could jeopardize their staff and violate humanitarian neutrality and European data protection regulations.

The petitioners have proposed alternatives to submitting staff lists, such as implementing donor-audited vetting systems. They argue that complying with the current requirements contradicts the principle of neutrality.

The United Nations reports that 133 NGO workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, including 15 staff from MSF. The aid organizations warn that halting their activities could lead to a humanitarian crisis, affecting hundreds of thousands of people who depend on them for essential services such as food, water, healthcare, and shelter.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.