More Than One Reason, but the Same Outcome
Union for Justice Foundation: The Occupation Systematically Targets Organizations Operating in the West Bank
17/10/2026 – Union for Justice Foundation
The Union for Justice Foundation stated that the Israeli occupation authorities systematically target charitable associations and Palestinian institutions operating in the West Bank to achieve multiple objectives that ultimately undermine one of the pillars of Palestinian resilience.
The Foundation added: “Despite their limited resources and scarce funding, these associations play a meaningful relief and humanitarian role. They provide medical care to impoverished families and support the families of martyrs and prisoners. Their role has grown as the relevant ministries’ capacity has declined due to the severe financial crisis facing the Palestinian Authority.”
The Foundation stressed that Israeli targeting of these associations, whether they belong to civil society or operate under the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), forms part of multiple measures that the occupation has consistently implemented in the West Bank. These measures aim to undermine one of the manifestations of Palestinian sovereignty and form part of the occupation’s policy of dismantling Palestinian civil society infrastructure, restricting Palestinians, and pushing them to emigrate.
The Foundation continued: “The occupation authorities have a long record of targeting these associations, dating back to the Al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000. Since then, and up to the present day, the occupation has raided and shut down hundreds of federations, trade unions, associations, and zakat committees operating in the West Bank.”
12 Associations and Institutions Targeted Since the Beginning of the Year
According to the monitoring and documentation conducted by the Union for Justice Foundation, the occupation authorities have raided and shut down 12 Palestinian relief associations since the beginning of the current year.
In January, the occupation authorities issued an order to close the Jerusalem Health Center, known as the al-Zawiya Clinic, affiliated with UNRWA in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem, for one month. The center is the agency’s oldest health center, having opened in 1949, and provides services to 30,000 refugees.
In February, the occupation authorities closed the premises of the Burj al-Laqlaq Community Association in the Old City of Jerusalem for six months.
On 6April, the Israeli army closed the headquarters of the Young Muslim Men’s Association in Hebron, arrested two of its officials, and confiscated the contents of its premises and electronic equipment.
On 14April, the occupation authorities closed the headquarters of the Islamic Charitable Association in Hebron and arrested its chairman, Hatem al-Bakri. The association is one of the largest charitable organizations in the West Bank. It operates religious schools and provides care for thousands of orphans and students.
During the same month, the occupation authorities issued an order to close the headquarters of the Zakat Committee in the town of Idhna, west of Hebron.
In May, occupation forces raided the headquarters of the Madeed Charitable Association in Nablus and issued an order to close it. They also raided the headquarters of the Zakat Committee in Jenin and seized some of its belongings.
In June, the Israeli army raided the building of the Solidarity Charitable Association in central Nablus and posted a closure order on its entrance, shutting the premises for one year on the pretext of supporting terrorism.
The Solidarity Charitable Association is one of the oldest associations in Nablus, having been established in 1956. It provides medical care to impoverished families through its affiliated clinic and offers in-kind and financial assistance to poor and needy families. It also operates two schools, one for boys and one for girls.
In July, the Israeli army raided the headquarters of Al-Huda Holy Quran Radio in Qalqilya, which is affiliated with the Quran and Sunnah Association, confiscated all its contents, and posted a closure notice prohibiting the premises from reopening.
In August, the occupation authorities issued an order to close the headquarters of the Hands of the Future Generation Association in Nablus. The association provides support and assistance to needy families, cares for marginalized groups, and trains volunteers.
During the same month, the occupation authorities seized the Qalandiya Vocational Training Center, affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in Kafr Aqab, north of occupied Jerusalem. This action came as part of the ongoing campaign against the agency since 7 October 2023.
Qalandiya is one of the oldest training centers affiliated with UNRWA. It was established on land provided to the agency by the Jordanian government under an agreement concluded in 1952, with the aim of providing technical and vocational training to Palestine refugees. The center covers approximately 80 dunums and includes training workshops, classrooms, administrative facilities, accommodation, and service buildings. The value of the assets located there is estimated at millions of dollars.
The center serves hundreds of young Palestinians annually and offers a range of vocational and technical programs and specializations. It provides Palestine refugees with training and qualification opportunities that help them acquire professional skills, enter the labor market, and achieve greater economic independence.
In September, the occupation authorities closed the headquarters of the Central Tulkarm Zakat Committee, affiliated with the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, following a raid on its premises in the Irtah suburb south of the city.
In October, occupation forces raided the headquarters of the Al-Dameer Association in Ramallah and seized equipment and files from inside. The occupation forces had previously closed the institution in 2022 and installed metal panels over its gates.
The Union for Justice Foundation emphasized that the justifications put forward by the occupation authorities to defend their targeting of these associations, including allegations that they receive funding from “terrorist” entities, are baseless. These institutions are subject to strict financial oversight by the Palestinian Authority and its security agencies.
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