TEL AVIV
Israel has revoked the operating licenses of more than three dozen humanitarian organizations this week, plunging major aid groups into uncertainty over their ability to help tens of thousands of struggling Palestinians in Gaza.
Among the 37 groups suspended are some of the most prominent organizations operating in Gaza, including Doctors Without Borders, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Oxfam, and Medical Aid for Palestinians.
They join more than 100 independent nongovernmental and U.N.-affiliated groups working in the territory.
The affected organizations provide essential support ranging from shelter and clean water to medical care and clinic staffing.
The full impact of the ban remains unclear, but Israel has ordered all suspended groups to halt operations by March 1.
The immediate consequence of the license revocations is that Israel will no longer permit these organizations to bring supplies into Gaza or deploy international staff into the territory.
By James Kisoo
