France does not recognize Palestinian NGO’s designation as terrorists

Paris, Jul 13 (Prensa Latina) The French Government on Wednesday stated it does not accept the Israeli designation of six Palestinian civil society organizations as terrorists as there's no evidence to sustain such allegation, and said it will maintain relations with them.

July 13, 2022
08:57

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the accusation of terrorism is a matter that must always be treated with the utmost seriousness, based on exhaustive analysis.

In this regard, it warned in a communique that Israel has not provided substantial information to support the designation made on October 22, 2021, which affects six non-governmental organizations.

Using a controversial anti-Palestinian legislation adopted in 2016, the Tel Aviv Ministry of Defense issued an order that accuses the NGOs Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, Al-Haq, Bisan Center for Research and Development, Defense for Children International-Palestine, Union of Agricultural Work Committees and Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees as terrorists.

If elements are provided to support such an accusation, we will act accordingly, but in their absence, we will continue our cooperation with civil society in the occupied Palestinian territories, the French Government stressed, a position similar to that adopted by Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Italy and other European countries.

The United Nations agencies had rejected in previous months the Israeli decision, which maintains the occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of the Gaza Strip, despite the international condemnation.

mh/iff/oda/wmr