Raid against Palestinian civil society: Belgium must react
Belgian NGOs demand concrete actions at Belgian and European level following Israel’s closure of their Palestinian partner organisations. ” The criminalization of civil society organizations is inadmissible. This is a characteristic act of authoritarian regimes in the self-proclaimed ‘only democracy in the Middle East’“, according to a coalition of Belgian NGOs.
On the morning of August 18, the army successfully raided the offices of seven major Palestinian organizations [1] in Ramallah. Footage and eyewitness accounts showed that the army retreated, ransacked their offices and office equipment, and confiscated documents. The organisations’ front doors have also been sealed and a military order prohibits them from reopening or continuing their work.
In October 2021, award-winning Defense Minister Benny Gantz called these organizations “terrorist organizations” and soon after the military commander in the West Bank declared them illegal as well. Evidence for these preposterous accusations has never been forthcoming, despite repeated requests from the EU, the US and some European member states. After conducting their own investigations, EU member states, including Belgium, called the Israeli statements unfounded and said they would continue to “support in accordance with Palestinian civil society”.
frontal attack
Among these organisations, there are also Belgian NGO partners who are supported by Belgian development cooperation funds. In a joint statement, the CNCD-11.11.11 and its Flemish counterpart 11.11.11., the Belgo Palestinian Association, Broederlijk Delen, De-Colonizer, the MOC, Pax Christi, Palestina Solidariteit, SBOverseas, Viva Salud, Vrede VSW, Solsoc and the Centrale Générale FGTB are sounding the alarm.
” This frontal attack on Palestinian civil society is part of a broader context. NGOs supposed to play a crucial role in meticulously documenting and reporting human rights violations and breaches of the laws of war “, say the Belgian NGOs. ” At a time when the reality of the apartheid regime is increasingly exposed, and when the Palestinian Authority becomes increasingly authoritarian, Palestinian civil society is essential. They constitute the last bastion for the Palestinians in the defense of human rights. »
Several of the targeted organizations have in recent months provided evidence to the International Criminal Court in The Hague as part of the investigation into violations of international law in the Palestinian territories occupied since 2014.
Existential threat
This attack poses an existential threat to Palestinian civil society. Without a clear European response, it is very likely that we will have to fear the arrests of the main staff members of these organisations, or even that they will have to suspend their activities. Mere statements by the EU, without concrete consequences, do not impress the Israeli authorities, as we can once again see.
If Belgium and the European Union attach real importance to international law and to an autonomous and strong civil society, they must now put pressure on Israel with effective means. Terrorism charges must be dropped and organizations, their staff, offices and assets must be protected so that they can continue their crucial work in freedom and safety.
“The vapid statements about the importance of a strong Palestinian civil society and do not prevent the government from going further in its efforts to silence Palestinian organizations. These organizations do not need yet another condemnation or expression of concern, but strong diplomatic pressure on Israel. »
” The EU must make it clear that this attack will have considerable consequences for diplomatic relations between Israel and the EU. As a first step, the organizations call for the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel Association Council scheduled for October 2022 ”, indicates the CNCD-11.11.11, its Flemish counterpart 11.11.11., the Belgo Palestinian Association, Broederlijk Delen, De-Colonizer, the MOC, Pax Christi, Palestina Solidariteit, SBOverseas, Viva Salud, Vrede VSW, Solsoc and the FGTB General Headquarters.