We are deeply concerned by the raids which took place in the morning of 18 August, as part of a worrying restriction of the space for civil society in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. These actions are unacceptable.
The further reduction of civil space in the Occupied Palestinian Territories remains a source of concern. We stand firm with NGOs to uphold the right to freedom of expression and association in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
A free and strong civil society is essential for promoting democratic values and for a two-State solution. As we stated on 12 July, no substantial information was received from Israel that would justify reviewing our policy towards the six Palestinian NGOs on the basis of the Israeli decision to classify these NGOs as “terrorist organisations”. Should convincing evidence be made available to the contrary, we would act accordingly.
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