Israel says it will bar dozens of aid groups from operating in the Gaza Strip from Thursday. There are concerns the move could further worsen the humanitarian situation.
The Israeli government announced on Tuesday that it will revoke the licenses of 37 international non-governmental and other organizations on January 1. It cites anti-terrorism measures as the main reason.
Included in the list are Japanese organizations, such as the Japan International Volunteer Center, and the Campaign for the Children of Palestine.
The Israeli government says, "The organizations affected represent only a small fraction of overall humanitarian activity."
The foreign ministers of ten countries, including Japan and Britain, expressed serious concerns in a joint statement issued on Tuesday.
The statement says, "One in three healthcare facilities in Gaza will close" if international NGOs' operations are stopped.
The foreign ministers called on Israel to allow the organizations to engage in sustainable activities, and to boost humanitarian aid deliveries.
But Israel rejected the calls.
Humanitarian conditions remain severe in Gaza. People continue to face serious food shortages, even after a ceasefire took effect in October last year.
Palestinian authorities say nearly half of hospitals in the enclave are unable to provide adequate medical care due to the lack of medicines and fuel.

Quiz 1:
What is the main reason Israel cited for revoking the licenses of the aid groups?
A. A desire to increase humanitarian aid deliveries.
B. Anti-terrorism measures.
C. Pressure from foreign ministers.
D. Concerns about food shortages.

Quiz 2:
According to the joint statement from the foreign ministers, what is a potential consequence of stopping international NGOs' operations?
A. Increased medical care availability in Gaza.
B. A significant decrease in the overall humanitarian activity.
C. One in three healthcare facilities in Gaza will close.
D. A surplus of medicines and fuel in hospitals.

Quiz 3:
When will the licenses of the 37 aid organizations be revoked?
A. October 2025
B. Tuesday, January 1, 2026
C. Immediately after the ceasefire
D. After a period of sustainable activities



[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: B