The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine has condemned Israel’s decision to cancel work permits for 37 international non-governmental and humanitarian organisations operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the ministry described the move as arbitrary and rejected the reasons given by Israeli authorities, saying the affected organisations provide essential humanitarian, health and environmental services to Palestinians, especially in Gaza.
It said the decision comes amid what it termed a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and continued military operations in refugee camps in the West Bank.
The ministry stressed that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and said the State of Palestine recognises and welcomes the work of nationally and internationally accredited humanitarian organisations operating in line with international standards.
It argued that Israel, as an occupying power, has no legal authority to halt or obstruct the activities of such organisations, adding that the measures violate international law and norms, including the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations toward humanitarian operations.
According to the ministry, the suspension of the organisations’ work is intended to prevent international scrutiny and limit assistance to Palestinians, particularly in critical sectors such as child protection, health, education, water, and refugee support.
It said these sectors are central to the wellbeing of Palestinian society and to ongoing humanitarian response efforts.
The ministry called on the international community and the United Nations to reject the Israeli measures and to take firm and deterrent action to address restrictions on humanitarian work, the shrinking of civic space in Palestine, and what it described as efforts to undermine civil society institutions.
It also urged countries that host the affected organisations to take decisive steps in response to what it said are serious violations of international law and human rights.