Press Release: TEAR Fund Opposed to Israel’s Control on NGOs

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The issuing of visas which prevent NGOs from working among Palestinians has been condemned by TEAR Fund NZ.

TEAR Fund Executive director Stephen Tollestrup said issuing NGOS with tourist visas which prevent them working was another element in Israel’s `Matrix of Control’ to frustrate and intimidate the Palestinian population and their NGO advocates.

The matrix of control as described by TEAR Fund associate Dr Jeff Halper describes the Matrix of Control as a complex series of measures demoralising, intimidating and controlling every facet of Palestinian life. “I have seen these measures at work; they completely frustrate the Palestinian people and only add resentment upon resentment.”

As occupiers, Israel has an obligation to Geneva and International Humanitarian law to allow NGOs to work there, especially as Israel isn’t helping the people themselves. To deny them the ability to work was appalling, he said.

“NGOs are often the only ones advocating for the Palestinians, and they have long called for peaceful solutions to the Middle East tensions.”