The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, expressed the Union´s deep concern about the Israeli raids and incursions of six Palestinian civil society organizations.
Borrell said, in a press statement, Monday evening, “The European Union is deeply concerned about the raids targeting six Palestinian civil society organizations on the morning of August 18 and the measures that followed, including the arrest and interrogation of their staff, in the context of a worrying reduction of space. allocated to civilians and society in the Occupied Palestinian Territory," stressing that "these measures are unacceptable."
He added that "a free and strong civil society is indispensable for the promotion of democratic values ​​and for the two-state solution."
He stressed the commitment of the European Union to continue its support for civil society, which contributes to achieving this purpose and building confidence between Israelis and Palestinians, and to stand firmly with NGOs to support the right to freedom of expression and association in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Borrell continued, "As we have previously stated, no material information has been received from Israel that would justify a review of our policy toward the six Palestinian civil society organizations on the basis of the Israeli decision to classify these NGOs as "terrorist organisations."
"We have been consistently clear with the Israeli authorities on this, along with many other EU member states and like-minded partners, including following up on recent events. If compelling evidence to the contrary is available, we will act accordingly," he said.
"In the meantime, it is critical to ensure that counter-terrorism legislation does not undermine civil society and its valuable work and contributions to building more just and peaceful societies," he added.
Borrell affirmed, "The European Union supports the call of the United Nations agencies to Israel to refrain from any action that would prevent these organizations from continuing their important work in the field of human rights, humanitarian and development work in the occupied Palestinian territory."
