Systematic Raid on Rights Organizations
Amjad Najar, the Director General of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, announced that Israeli occupation forces are actively targeting more than 15 Palestinian institutions located in the West Bank. According to Najar, these entities are being subjected to raids, forced closures, and the seizure of properties and documents as part of a broader campaign aimed at organizations dedicated to defending human rights and documenting violations.
Najar detailed that during the incursions into the headquarters of these institutions, Israeli troops do not limit their actions to seizing computers, papers, and certificates that record Israeli violations over the years. Instead, they also confiscate furniture, offices, cabinets, and tables. In some instances, he noted that entire premises were emptied of all contents.
A Policy of Suppression
The director general emphasized that the targeting of Palestinian rights institutions is part of a policy designed to suppress bodies that document occupation crimes and present them to international organizations. These institutions maintain connections with international entities and issue periodic reports monitoring violations committed against Palestinians. Najar pointed out that this approach reflects a continuous strategy that began before the war on Gaza and persisted throughout the conflict.
Specific examples cited by Najar include the raid on the Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, the seizure of its contents, and the harassment of its staff. Additionally, he mentioned the raid on the Salfit-based Prisoners Affairs Authority and the targeting of other Palestinian associations. The pressure extends beyond physical raids; it includes the closure of bank accounts, the pursuit of workers in rights institutions, and their arrest. Dozens of individuals have been held under administrative detention without charge or trial.
Lack of International Protection
Regarding efforts to halt these measures, Najar stated that numerous appeals have been addressed to the United Nations and international organizations to provide protection for workers in Palestinian associations defending human rights. However, these requests have failed to yield the necessary security guarantees. He concluded that the escalation in targeting rights institutions stems from the occupation’s displeasure with international stances and the efforts made by these bodies to expose violations to the global community.
