Thank you for contacting me about Palestinian civil society organisations.
I am very concerned by the October 2021 decision of the Israeli Defence Minister to designate six Palestinian civil society organisations as ‘terrorist’. I believe this move is an attempt to silence peaceful defence of Palestinian rights. I join the United Nations and Israeli human rights organisations in condemning these designations and I call on the Israeli Government to rescind its decision.
To designate civil society bodies as terrorist, without providing any evidence, is unacceptable. These organisations represent prisoners, children and women and as such provide invaluable support to Palestinians. Their work is respected internationally.
I am very concerned by the raids on the offices of these organisations, which took place on 18 August. Civil society is vital for the two-state solution. We must continue to support civil society and stand by international law.
I will continue to advocate for a negotiated, diplomatic settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ensures a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. There will not be a just and lasting peace until the occupation is brought to a permanent end and both Palestinians and Israelis enjoy security, dignity and human rights.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner Member of Parliament for Brent North