International staff exit Gaza amid disputed aid conditions

2026-02-26 - 10:02

Dozens of international staff members departed the Gaza Strip on February 26, 2026, following the expiration of their terms of service and a deadline set by Israeli authorities for license renewals, according to eyewitness accounts. The exit occurred at the Kerem Shalom border crossing in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Disputed operational conditions The departures followed a standoff between humanitarian organizations and Israeli authorities over new operational requirements. Agencies described the measures as “arbitrary,” arguing that they imposed additional restrictions on aid programs, recruitment processes, and the entry of critical supplies and equipment. Aid agencies push back Humanitarian organizations stated that the conditions effectively granted Israeli authorities broader oversight over their operations, which they said could hinder their ability to deliver aid to vulnerable populations across Gaza. Staff departures were framed as a response to protect the neutrality and independence of humanitarian activities. Implications for aid in Gaza The move highlights ongoing tensions over the regulation of international aid in Gaza, where agencies must navigate complex political and security conditions. Observers note that delays or restrictions on humanitarian operations can have immediate impacts on vulnerable communities in the region.