Israel imposes new aid rules restricting criticism and demanding staff data

Israel has introduced registration requirements for international aid groups that prohibit activities or criticism deemed to delegitimise the state, without defining the term. The rules require submission of staff and family identity details, raising concerns over safety and operational freedom.

By Jonathan McConnell1 min read

Israel has introduced new registration rules for international humanitarian organisations operating in the occupied Palestinian territories. The rules prohibit any activities or criticism that could be interpreted as delegitimising the state of Israel.

Aid groups have reported that the rules demand recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. They also require submission of staff and family identity documents, which raises safety concerns.

The Humanitarian Country Team stated that Israel's new law undermines humanitarian operations across the occupied Palestinian territories. The rules are described as vague, arbitrary, and politically driven, potentially violating core humanitarian principles.