Denmark to stop funding Palestinian NGO’s

The Danish Foreign Ministry has ordered an investigation into donations to non-governmental organisations operating in the Palestinian territories, following pressure from Israel. No further donations will be approved until the investigation is completed.

We must be sure that Danish assistance contributes in a positive way to the advancement of human rights in the Palestinian territories

Danish Foreign Minister, Anders Samuelsen, said in a statement.

It is thought that the decision was taken due to pressure from Israel. Israeli sources reported that in a meeting earlier this month, Israeli and Danish diplomats said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Samuelsen to stop Denmark’s funding for Palestinian NGOs that promoted the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel.

Netanyahu is even reported to have personally handed a list to Samulsen containing names of organisations which receive Danish funds that Israel says are linked to the BDS movement.

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In his statement, Samuelsen also mentioned that it was “possible that in wake of the examination we will be forced to stop our support of a number of Palestinian organisations. Until this examination is complete we won’t sign any new grants for Palestinian organisations.”