Palestine Condemns Israel for Banning 37 Humanitarian Organizations from Operating

PHOTO © UNRWA/Refugee tents in Rafah, southern Gaza, are flooded by heavy rain. (archive)

JAKARTA - The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned Israel's arbitrary decision to cancel the work permits of 37 international humanitarian organizations operating in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Through a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Israel's reason for imposing the ban, stressing that these organizations provide humanitarian, health and environmental support that is essential for Palestinians, especially in Gaza, amid Israel's aggression, the practice of starvation tactics and attacks on refugee camps in the West Bank.

As reported by ANTARA from WAFA, Wednesday, December 31, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Israel does not have sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, and Palestine welcomes the task of internationally and nationally recognized organizations that operate in accordance with established humanitarian standards.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Israel's actions as piracy, oppression and violations of international laws and norms, including the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) advisory opinion on Israel's obligations to humanitarian organizations.

His party added that Israel was trying to eliminate witnesses to their crimes and hinder humanitarian agencies from supporting the Palestinian people, especially in sectors such as child protection, health, education, sanitation, and refugee assistance.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community and the United Nations to reject Israel's decision and take punitive action to protect humanitarian duties, maintain civil liberties in Palestine, and protect the operations of national and international civil society organizations.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged the host countries of the relevant organizations to take firm action against Israel for their violations of international law and human rights (HAM).