UN slams Israeli move of closing Palestinian NGOs as 'arbitrary'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Aug 11:02
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The UN condemns the Israeli raids and accuses the Israeli authorities of failing to present any credible evidence to justify their action.

UN criticizes 'arbitrary' Israeli move of raiding, closing Palestinian NGOs

The United Nations condemned "Israel's" closure of seven Palestinian organizations, which the entity claims are sending aid to what it called "terrorist groups" on Thursday, calling the restrictions "totally arbitrary."

Israeli security officers stormed non-governmental organization offices in the West Bank and confiscated laptops and equipment before blocking off doors, according to Palestinian witnesses and officials.

The Israeli military claimed the groups were used by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which "Israel" deems a "terrorist organization". "Israel" has previously declared six of the groups as "terrorist organizations".

The designation, which has been criticized by the United Nations and human rights organizations, was ratified for three of them on Wednesday. The United Nations demanded that the designations be lifted.

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"Despite offers to do so, Israeli authorities have not presented to the United Nations any credible evidence to justify these declarations," the UN Human Rights Office said in a statement. "As such, the closures appear arbitrary."

The US State Department stated that after contacting Israeli officials, "Israel" informed Washington that it will offer more information on the reasons for the decision to dissolve the groups. "We will review what is provided to us and come to our conclusion," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.

Nine European Union countries have stated that they will continue to collaborate with the NGOs despite "Israel's" action that lacks evidence.

“Israel” cracks down on 6 Palestinian NGOs in Ramallah, Al-Bireh

Israeli occupation forces (IOF) brutally raided six human rights organizations yesterday and research centers in Ramallah and Al-Bireh, violating their spaces and illegally vandalizing confidential information and testimonies.

The organizations in question are renowned for documenting the Israeli occupation’s crimes of apartheid and persecution.

Palestinian Wafa news agency reported, citing local security officials, that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed Ramallah and Al-Bireh, raiding the ADDAMEER (Arabic for conscience) Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, Defense for Children International – Palestine, Al-Haq, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC), and the Union of Palestinian Women Committees, the Bisan Center for Research and Development, as well as the Union of Health Work Committees (UHWC).