More than 140 organizations have supported a letter by 22 members of the US House of Representatives demanding action by the Biden administration on behalf of six prominent Palestinian human rights and civil society groups designated as “terrorist” by the Israeli authorities, according to a press release by Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCIP).
The letter, addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, calls on the Biden administration to publicly reject the Israeli designation, urge the Israeli government to reverse its decision, and confirm a date for an inter-agency briefing and provide a report to Congress within 30 days.
“We write to you out of serious concern for the six prominent Palestinian human rights organizations that were declared ‘terrorist organizations’ by Israel’s Minister of Defense Benny Gantz over six months ago. A reported lack of evidence to support this decision raises concerns that it may be a deeply repressive measure, designed to criminalize and silence prominent and essential Palestinian human rights organizations,” said the letter signed by the 22 Representatives.
The six Palestinian human rights and civil society organizations are Addameer, Al-Haq, Defense for Children International – Palestine, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, the Bisan Center for Research and Development, and the Union of Palestinian Women Committees.
“The US must always and consistently speak out against efforts by all countries attempting to undermine civil society and the necessary work of humanitarian organizations,” said the US lawmakers. “Counter-terrorism legislation must not be applied to legitimate human rights and humanitarian activities.
Furthermore, repressive tactics such as criminalizing organizations must not be used to suppress or deny the right to freedom of association, or to quash political dissent, or limit the peaceful activities of civil society.”
“Evidence justifying this designation has not been provided publicly or to all Members of Congress, despite multiple requests. We urge you to publicly reject this decision, call on the Israeli government to reverse course, confirm a date for an inter-agency briefing with the below signatories, and provide a report to Congress on your efforts within 30 days,” the letter added.
More than 140 organizations supported the letter, said DCIP, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International USA, J Street, AJP Action, and Americans for Peace Now, among many others.
