US Congressman André Carson has condemned Israel’s designation of six Palestinian rights groups as ‘terror organizations’, saying it will harm countless people who depend on these organizations for lifesaving support, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
“I strongly oppose Israel’s blanket decision to shut down 6 prominent Palestinian human rights organizations doing important humanitarian work in the region,” Carson said in a tweet.
I strongly oppose Israel's blanket decision to shut down 6 prominent Palestinian human rights organizations doing important humanitarian work in the region.
— André Carson (@RepAndreCarson) October 23, 2021
“This decision is based on false characterizations, and will harm countless people who depend on these organizations for lifesaving support,” Carson continued.
Carson’s comment is the latest in a series of condemnations by US Congressmen against the Israeli decision, which authorizes the Israeli occupation authorities to close the offices of the six human rights groups, seize their assets and arrest and jail their staff members, and it prohibits funding or even publicly expressing support for their activities.
Earlier this week, Congresswoman Betty McCollum described in a statement the Israeli decision as an attempt to silence advocates of Palestinian rights.
Outlawing human rights organizations is a well-known tactic of authoritarian regimes who fear criticism. How many times have we heard, "where are the Palestinian human rights organizations?" Well, here they are.
— Breaking the Silence (@BtSIsrael) October 22, 2021
“I condemn this action to shut down legitimate civil society organizations advocating for Palestinian human rights. This is nothing more than an attempt to silence critics of Palestinian rights. It is anti-democratic, and contrary to the values expected of a U.S. ally,” McCollum said.
She urged “the Biden administration to immediately call upon the Israeli government to reverse their decision and restore these organizations’ ability to continue their important work.”
Including @Addameer and @alhaq_org : #Israel Outlaws Six Major #Palestinian Human Rights Organizations https://t.co/7feo9yl6GN via @PalestineChron pic.twitter.com/786Jd9fZ0f
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 22, 2021
Rep. Ilhan Omar has also condemned the Israeli decision. She said in a tweet, “Labelling effective NGOs “terrorists” is a textbook way to evade accountability for human rights violations—and an affront to everyone who cares about peace.”
“There must be immediate consequences from the US and the international community for this brazen act,” she continued.
Rep. Mark Pocan also tweeted, “Israel should rescind their blanket decision to label Palestinian civil rights organizations as terrorist groups.”
(WAFA, PC, Social Media)
