Caritas Jerusalem was among the 37 aid organizations prohibited by the State of Israel from working in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, but the organization says it will continue work as usual.
Caritas Jerusalem is part of Caritas Internationalis, the international aid organization of the Catholic Church.
The new restrictions came from Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. The Israeli government says they are necessary for security purposes.
Last year, the Ministry issued new regulations for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), requesting these organizations provide the government with information regarding funding, a list of Palestinian and foreign employees, and other things. Failure to comply meant the organizations would have their permits suspended as of January 1.
The organizations have until March 1 to cease their operations in Gaza, said the Israeli government.
A December 31, 2025, statement from Farid Jubran, the spokesperson of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, defended the organization and said their work would continue in Gaza.
Caritas Jerusalem is an "Ecclesiastical Legal Person" that has been recognized by the State of Israel since 1993, said Jubran, meaning it does not have to comply with these new regulations.
"Caritas Jerusalem has not undertaken any re-registration process with the Israeli authorities. Caritas Internationalis does not implement or conduct any direct interventions within the country."
"Caritas Jerusalem will continue its humanitarian and development operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, in accordance with its mandate," said the statement.
Other NGOs impacted by these changes include Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), Care International, Oxfam, and ActionAid.
