The Palestinian Authority has called for international sanctions against Israel following its decision to revoke the work permits of 37 international non-governmental organizations operating in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a statement Wednesday condemning the Israeli action as a blatant violation of international law and norms.
The Ministry vehemently rejected the justifications offered by Israeli authorities for impeding the work of these organizations, which provide crucial humanitarian, health, and environmental assistance to the Palestinian people. The statement highlighted the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, where such aid is desperately needed amidst ongoing conflict and alleged starvation tactics employed as a weapon of war by Israel. The Ministry also cited the ongoing violence in refugee camps throughout the West Bank.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry asserted that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. It affirmed that the State of Palestine welcomes the work of these internationally recognized organizations, which operate in accordance with established humanitarian standards. The Ministry characterized Israel’s actions as a form of piracy and bullying, in direct contravention of international law.
The statement also referenced the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in October, which emphasized Israel’s obligations to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations. The Ministry stressed that no entity has the right to obstruct or halt their vital services.
The Ministry further accused Israel of attempting to silence witnesses to its alleged crimes and to isolate the Palestinian people by targeting organizations that provide support in crucial areas such as childhood development, healthcare, education, water resources, and refugee assistance – all of which are at the core of Palestinian humanitarian concerns.
The Palestinian Authority urged the international community and the United Nations to condemn these Israeli measures and to take punitive action in response. It warned of the serious consequences of restricting humanitarian work, undermining freedom of operation, and targeting Palestinian civil society and its national and international institutions. The call comes as the Israeli government initiates legal proceedings to revoke the operating licenses of international organizations operating in the West Bank.
