Israel is replacing dozens of established humanitarian organisations in Gaza with a new cohort of approved unknown groups that are more politically aligned and less likely to challenge Israeli conduct, an investigation by The New Humanitarian, has found.

The report reveals that 37 aid organisations operating in Gaza — including nearly all established non-UN international NGOs — face bans under Israel’s new registration law after refusing to comply with its requirements. In their place, Israeli authorities have approved around two dozen organisations that have agreed to the new terms.

Aid workers and legal experts cited in the investigation say the move is part of a broader effort to restructure the humanitarian landscape in Gaza. Internationally recognised reputable groups are being sidelined to establish a parallel aid system that they can more easily controlled by Israel.

Among the organisations facing exclusion are long-standing humanitarian agencies such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Norwegian Refugee Council, Mercy Corps, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Oxfam and the American Friends Service Committee, which has worked in Gaza since 1948.