Influential non-governmental organizations (NGOs) claiming to promote universal human rights and humanitarian aid are among the main legitimizers of Palestinian violence. Groups such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Médecins Sans Frontières and many others routinely and actively broadcast the myths and slogans seeking to portray Palestinian violence as “peaceful protests” and “justified resistance.” The NGOs repeat entirely unsubstantiated (and often implausible) claims regarding the number of Palestinian casualties in violent clashes, allegations of “disproportionate force” by Israeli forces, and false accusations of “violations of international law.”

As Palestinian groups proclaim their intention to trigger violent confrontations to mark the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem on May 14 and on May 15 to commemorate 70 years since the 1948 invasion against the newly proclaimed State of Israel, NGO Monitor recommends that diplomats, journalists, and others treat NGO claims, reports, publications, statements, and other material with caution.