Statement Issued by the Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO) PNGO Warns of Escalating Violations Against the Palestinian People and Calls for International Protection and Accountability

Statement Issued by the Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO)

PNGO Warns of Escalating Violations Against the Palestinian People and Calls for International Protection and Accountability

The Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO) warns of the continued escalation of attacks and violations against the Palestinian people across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), which threaten civilian lives and target the foundations of their resilience and their ability to remain on their land. These violations continue amid the absence of effective international measures to ensure protection and accountability and bring an end to such acts, which contravene the rules of international humanitarian law and the principles of human rights.

PNGO stresses that the continued attacks against Palestinians, alongside violations across the oPt targeting civilians, their property, and their livelihoods, demand urgent international action that goes beyond statements of condemnation and expressions of concern. Concrete and effective measures must be taken to ensure international protection for the Palestinian people and uphold their fundamental rights, foremost among them the rights to life, security, freedom, and to live in dignity on their own land.

PNGO also expresses its grave concern over threats and attacks targeting international solidarity activists, delegations, individuals, and human rights and humanitarian organizations, which have resulted in their activities being obstructed and prevented while they are present in the oPt. PNGO emphasizes that targeting these individuals, endangering their safety, or intimidating them because of their presence and solidarity with the Palestinian people is a matter of grave concern. Their protection must be ensured, the relevant international rules must be respected, and they must be enabled to carry out their activities freely and safely.

PNGO considers that the continued violations against the Palestinian people, alongside the risks facing international delegations operating in the oPt, underscore the urgent need for serious and effective international action and measures to protect civilians, safeguard the safety of diplomatic missions, strengthen accountability, and end impunity, in accordance with international law and relevant legal obligations.

In fulfilment of its national and human rights responsibilities, the Palestinian NGOs Network calls for and demands the following:

• An urgent meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, to address and put an end to the ongoing Israeli violations against the Palestinian people.
• Urgent action by the United Nations and the international community to ensure international protection for the Palestinian people and work to halt the attacks and violations targeting civilians throughout the oPt.
• Guarantees for the safety of international solidarity activists, delegations, and human rights and humanitarian organizations, and a clear rejection of any attempts to target, intimidate, or obstruct their work because of their solidarity with the Palestinian people.
• The activation of independent international mechanisms to monitor and document violations, alongside an enhanced international presence in areas exposed to attacks, in ways that contribute to protecting civilians and curbing violations.
• Accountability for violations and attacks and the prosecution of those responsible in accordance with international law, ensuring that perpetrators are not allowed to evade justice.
• Practical and urgent measures by states and international institutions to enforce international law, protect Palestinian civilians, safeguard their rights and dignity, and ensure compliance with relevant legal obligations.

PNGO emphasizes that protecting the Palestinian people is a legal and moral responsibility incumbent upon the international community. Respect for international law and the protection of civilians and diplomatic personnel require clear positions and tangible measures that ensure accountability and prevent the recurrence of violations.

Providing international protection for the Palestinian people can no longer be delayed. It requires serious and responsible international action that translates legal and humanitarian obligations into concrete measures on the ground, ensures the protection of Palestinian civilians, and holds those responsible for violations accountable.