Israeli Supreme Court Suspends Ban on 37 NGOs Operating in Gaza and West Bank

The Israeli Supreme Court temporarily suspended the government's ban on 37 foreign NGOs operating in Gaza and the West Bank.

“Seventeen international humanitarian organizations filed an appeal with the Israeli Supreme Court to halt the implementation of a decision that would end the work of 37 non-governmental organizations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, warning of 'catastrophic consequences' for civilians”

Euronews

The ruling came in response to a petition filed by the organizations after the government revoked their operating licenses and demanded lists of Palestinian staff.

Euronews

The court stated the measure was issued without taking any position and noted a real legal dispute over privacy obligations.

Aid groups warned of catastrophic consequences for civilians.

The decision theoretically allows the organizations to continue their work until a final ruling, but questions remain about implementation.

Israel's Ministry demanded NGOs disclose lists of all Palestinian and foreign staff participating in management and execution of operations.

NGOs refused, citing humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence and concerns over staff safety and European data protection laws.

Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch criticized the registration requirements as politicizing humanitarian aid and obstructing life-saving work.

The law grants the Israeli government broad authority to refuse or cancel registration of any organization or staff member deemed a threat to public safety or state security.

The 37 affected organizations include Oxfam, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Save the Children, and Doctors Without Borders.

International relief organizations have long provided life-saving assistance amid heavy pressures and Israeli attacks.

“Update: On February 27, 2026, the Israeli Supreme Court issued a temporary court order freezing the decision to ban the work of NGOs, after more than 15 organizations filed appeals on February 22”

Human Rights Watch

If these organizations stop operating, one in three health facilities will close immediately.

Despite a ceasefire agreement, restrictions have continued.

Israel also banned UNRWA, the largest humanitarian actor in Gaza.

The deliberate restrictions Israel imposes on aid violate its obligations as an Occupying Power and constitute a war crime when they amount to the use of starvation as a weapon.