Jerusalem24 – The European Union stressed, last night , Monday, that its funding to Palestinian civil society organizations is an important element in its support for the two-state solution.
The European Union said in a statement issued by its office in Jerusalem, “we have followed the news of the listing of six Palestinian organizations as terrorist organizations by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, some of which are implementing projects funded by the European Union and Member States.”
The EU added that they have “contacted the Israeli side to request clarifications in this regard.”
They stressed that they will continue to stand by international law and support civil society organizations that play a role in promoting international law, human rights and democratic values, noting that “civil society is an essential contributor to good governance and sustainable development in the European Union, Israel, Palestine and elsewhere.”
The European Union pointed out that its support for civil society organizations around the world is part of its work with international partners to advance human rights on the global level, stressing that “no allegations of misuse of EU funds have been previously proven in relation to some of our Palestinian partners from civil society organizations.”
They added that they “will continue to communicate with the Israeli authorities on this matter,” stressing that “counter-terrorism measures must comply with obligations under international law, in particular international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which include full respect for the right to freedom of association and expression.”
