Israeli army storms, shuts down 7 Palestinian NGOs in occupied West Bank

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA/AFP) – The Israeli army has stormed and ordered the closure of seven Palestinian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the occupied West Bank’s Ramallah and Al-Bireh cities.

The NGOs that were raided are Addameer for Prisoner Care and Human Rights, Al-Haq Center, Bisan Center for Research and Development, Union of Women’s Committees, Health Work Committees, Union of Agricultural Work Committees, and Defense for Children International – Palestine.

Last year, Israeli authorities decided to close six of these NGOs, claiming that they were “terrorist organizations.”

Witnesses reported that during their raids, the Israeli forces confiscated files and computers, and destroyed their contents.

Clashes also erupted between dozens of Palestinians and the Israeli army during the raids, with the latter using live and rubber-coated metal bullets, and tear gas canisters.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said in a statement that its crews dealt with one injury from live ammunition and treated 33 others who were affected by tear gas.

On October 19, 2021, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz issued an order to close six NGOs, saying they were “terrorist organizations” and affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

At the Ramallah offices of human rights group Al Haq, the front door had been welded shut and a Hebrew statement left saying it would remain closed for “security reasons”.

Israel has not publicly shared any evidence of the alleged ties to the PFLP.

West Bank cities are nominally under the full control of the Palestinian Authority but the Israeli security forces carry out frequent incursions, which are often met with stones or petrol bombs.