Humanitarian support to Palestinians is facing an unprecedented challenge following actions by Israeli authorities that directly affect the ability of aid organisations to operate. On 30 December, the Norwegian Refugee Council was formally notified that its registration would expire the following day unless it handed over sensitive personal data of its staff. Dozens of other international organisations received similar notices, placing humanitarian actors in a position where compliance would violate core humanitarian principles, duty of care, and data protection obligations.
The demand to transfer sensitive staff data represents a serious departure from established norms governing humanitarian operations. For organisations committed to neutrality, independence, and the protection of their personnel, such requirements are impossible to meet. The potential deregistration of major aid providers risks disrupting lifesaving assistance at a time when civilian needs are extraordinarily high.
This threat comes amid a devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Despite a fragile ceasefire, civilians in Gaza continue to face acute shortages of food, medicine, shelter, clean water, and essential services. Over the past two years of hostilities, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed and injured, and nearly the entire population has been forcibly displaced, often multiple times. In the West Bank, the largest displacement crisis since 1967 is unfolding, driven by military operations, settler violence, and demolitions.
International humanitarian organisations play a critical role in meeting these needs. In Gaza, they are responsible for a substantial share of food assistance, medical care through field hospitals, shelter provision, and treatment for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Since October 2023, the Norwegian Refugee Council alone has supported more than 1.2 million people across Gaza and the West Bank with essential services.
On the ground, humanitarian teams continue to deliver a wide range of assistance, including education support for displaced children, waste management to reduce flooding risks, distribution of shelter materials and winter supplies, psychosocial care, access to clean drinking water, and legal assistance to help people claim their rights. These activities are vital to preserving dignity and preventing further harm in communities already under extreme stress.
Despite mounting operational and legal challenges, humanitarian organisations remain committed to continuing their work in Gaza and the West Bank. However, the threat of deregistration poses a serious risk to independent and principled humanitarian action. Protecting the ability of aid organisations to operate without undue interference is essential to ensuring that civilians can continue to receive the lifesaving assistance they urgently need.
