BEIRUT: Human rights activists say the West is cutting financial aid to Arab civil societies for criticizing Israel’s atrocities in Gaza. Human rights groups told Al Jazeera that some Western countries have cut funding to Arab media and human rights groups.
They also said they were disappointed with the West’s support for Israel’s violence in Gaza. Human rights organizations in Egypt, Lebanon and occupied Palestine have told Al Jazeera that the West’s support for Israel’s atrocities in Gaza violates international law.
“The level of hatred has spread not only to the people of Gaza but to us as well. “We no longer feel we can approach some Western governments for funding,” said Hossam Bagat, executive head of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.
Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden have suspended humanitarian aid to Gaza and the West Bank following Hamas’ counterattack on Israel on October 7, according to Human Rights Watch.
The temporary ban affected $139 million in funding to UN agencies, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and other civil society organizations, Al Jazeera reported.
In the wake of Hamas’s counterattack in Israel, Miftah’s funding was also cut without warning.
“We know that this decision came as a result of pressure from right-wing groups in Switzerland,” said Saeed Amali, head of programs for the Mifta organization.
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2023-11-16 10:10:00
