In the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict, self-proclaimed human rights groups often fail to denounce acts of violence against Israelis. Some even minimize or incite terrorism. Worse yet, some NGOs have alleged ties to terrorist organizations.
The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) funding is channeled to groups with ties to terror groups, that spread antisemitism, and that promote BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) campaigns against Israel.
On May 4 and May 5, 2019, Palestinian terror groups in Gaza fired over 600 rockets and mortars toward Israeli population centers, murdering four Israeli civilians. NGOs and NGO officials that claim to promote human rights have ignored the blatant Palestinian violations against Israeli civilians. Some have remained silent altogether, while others have focused exclusively on demonizing Israel for responding to the attacks.
NGO Monitor has documented numerous concerns regarding UNICEF-oPt, stemming primarily from its relationship with highly partisan non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
On May 1, 2019, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced the ‘‘Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act’’ (HR 2407). The bill is based largely on the lobbying efforts and accusations of Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCI-P).
Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCI-P) is a Palestinian NGO that claims to promote Palestinian children’s rights. However, many current and former officials, employees, and board members have links to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
Human Rights Watch’s October 2018 report “Two Authorities, One Way, Zero Dissent: Arbitrary Arrest and Torture Under the Palestinian Authority and Hamas” contains a number of obvious omissions and reflects an absence of serious analysis
On November 22, 2018, B'Tselem published a report that utilized a flawed methodology, minimized the context of violence and terror, belittled the human rights of Israeli civilians living in close proximity to the border, and ignored Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups’ incitement to violence against Israel.
From April 29 – May 6, 2018, the Center for Constitutional Rights led a trip to Israel and the West Bank labeled as the “Justice Delegation.” This trip, made up of self-proclaimed social justice advocates, claimed to provide a “better understand[ing of] the human rights situation in Israel and Palestine.” In sharp contrast, participants met exclusively Palestinian and Israeli organizations that promote a one-sided Palestinian narrative of the conflict.
According to the US Department of Justice, NPA provided “material support” to Iran, Hamas, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) – designated terrorist organizations under US law. As a result of these partnerships, in March 2018, NPA settled a civil-fraud suit, paying a $2 million settlement to the US.
On April 3, 2018, Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued an “analysis” of the March 30, 2018 events along the Israel-Gaza border. Like other HRW responses, this latest publication lacks credible methodology and manipulates the presentation of facts and law to advance a political narrative rather than engage in professional human rights research.