Khan Younès, in the south of the Gaza Strip, January 2026.Keystone
More than 40 NGOs in Gaza and the West Bank are at risk of having their registration in Israel revoked – a decision that could have “catastrophic consequences”, three Swiss-based organizations warn.
Feb 14, 2026, 6:24 p.mFeb 14, 2026, 6:24 p.m
The situation of humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank is becoming increasingly difficult. Late last year, 37 international NGOs were informed that their registration in Israel would soon expire and they had 60 days to cease their activities.
The reason: These organizations had refused to provide the Israeli authorities with a list of their Palestinian employees. The Jewish state made this request in March 2025, claiming that it wanted to “rule out any connection to terrorism.” For Terre des Hommes, this request represents “a red line” that the NGO does not want to cross, as it announced on Thursday in a statement about its decision.
“We have a responsibility towards our employees and must protect them from all dangers,” explains managing director Barbara Hinterman. “We currently do not know exactly what the Israeli authorities plan to do with this data.”
This assessment is also shared by other NGOs operating in the Palestinian territories. “We do not transmit information that could endanger our teams, especially if an authority could use it for harmful purposes,” confirms Médecins du Monde. And adds:
“In the current context, our Palestinian colleagues may be exposed to risks such as threats, pressure and violence.”
Médecins du Monde
Médecins sans frontières (MSF) also refuses the request and also addresses the issue of data protection. The NGO reminds that 1,700 humanitarian workers have been killed in Palestine since October 2023including 15 of their own employees.
“The Israeli authorities have forced humanitarian organizations to make an impossible choice,” denounces Micaela Serafini, President of MSF Switzerland: “Either pass on information about their staff or interrupt medical care in a context of colossal humanitarian needs.”
Violence in Gaza has not abated since the ceasefire came into force. Here is an Israeli airstrike in early February 2026.Image: AP
“A targeted political strategy”
Barbara Hintermann sees this measure as Israel’s desire to expand its influence on neutral humanitarian organizations. “We fear losing our independence, which is a very important humanitarian principle,” she explains.
“With these demands, the Israeli authorities not only want to control humanitarian aid, but also the word of those humanitarian organizations that denounce what is happening in Gaza,” emphasizes Micaela Serafini. She adds:
“Without an international presence like ours in the Gaza Strip, it will no longer be possible to witness and denounce the atrocities that are taking place there.”
Micaela Serafini, MSF
For Médecins du Monde, this is not just a technical or administrative issue: “It is a targeted political decision with foreseeable consequences,” complains the NGO. “If the registrations expire, the Israeli government will hinder humanitarian aid on a large scale.”
Approximately 500 deaths since the ceasefire came into force
The three NGOs currently declare that they will continue their activities in Gaza and the West Bank. “That has not changed and will not change,” assures Barbara Hintermann. “Humanitarian law is very clear on this point: If the occupying power cannot protect the civilian population and provide the necessary assistance, it is the humanitarian organizations that must do so,” she explains.
“Access to humanitarian aid is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law,” emphasizes Médecins du Monde. The NGO remains “fully mobilized” despite “the restrictions and violation of the ceasefire.” Nearly 500 people have been killed since its introduction, according to Gaza health authorities.
“The situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains catastrophic, and the humanitarian needs of millions of people are huge,” reminds Micaela Serafini. Even more so, there Since January 1st, no material or international personnel can enter the Gaza Strip. “This is problematic because these people can provide important support for the local teams,” adds Barbara Hintermann.
“An unprecedented catastrophe”
It remains to be seen what will happen after the 60-day deadline set by Israel expires. Although the three organizations’ forecasts differ, they agree on one point:
“If the NGOs had to stop their activities in the Palestinian territories, it would be an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.”
Barbara Hintermann, Terre des Hommes
“We have more than 1,300 employees on site in Gaza and the West Bank, and we don’t know of any other actor who could take responsibility,” explains Micaela Serafini. “If MSF were expelled from the occupied Palestinian territories, the consequences would be catastrophic.”
According to Médecins du Monde, this scenario cannot be ruled out. “It must be clear: the registration measures imposed by Israel threaten the end of the activities of international NGOs,” explains the organization. The director of Terre des Hommes is more cautious: “I don’t think the Israeli authorities can force us to stop our activities on the ground, but they are trying to block us,” she says.
And then?
Both Terre des Hommes and MSF remain open to dialogue with the Israeli authorities. “We continue to use the existing diplomatic channels and are in contact with the Swiss government,” explains Barbara Hintermann. She praises “the important work in the background” carried out by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, but believes that our authorities should take “a stronger stance on compliance with international humanitarian law”.
Médecins du Monde also appeals to the Federal Council. “As the guardian of the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland has a special responsibility in defending international humanitarian law,” explains the NGO.
“In view of the repeated violations of this right in Gaza, Switzerland cannot be satisfied with words: it must act, use its diplomatic influence and demand the protection of civilians.”
Médecins du Monde
The future remains unclear, but Barbara Hintermann assures us to “keep the hope that a solution can be implemented”. “We must not forget that 1.5 million people in Gaza continue to suffer. “That’s the most important thing,” she concludes.