US concerned over reports of PA acting to restrict Palestinian freedom of expression

The United States expressed its concerns over recent reports that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is acting to restrict Palestinian freedom of expression.

While briefing the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, US Permanent Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, voiced the US concerns over the restrictions of freedom of expression in the West Bank.

“We are concerned over recent reports of the Palestinian Authority acting to restrict Palestinian freedom of expression and harass civil society activists and organizations,” Greenfield said.

“That is unacceptable,” she stressed, “in particular, we are deeply disturbed by the death of Palestinian activist Nizar Banat. The circumstances of his death must be fully investigated and those responsible held accountable.”

She added: “It should be in all of our interests to promote a sustainable solution for Gaza, and to take steps towards ending the suffering on both sides.”

About the resumption of US support for UNRWA, she said: “We announced a contribution of nearly $136 million in additional humanitarian assistance to UNRWA.”

She noted that “this new funding brings total US humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Palestinians served by UNRWA this year to $318 million.”

The US official noted that the UNRWA’s needs are still vast despite all of these contributions. “We call on other Member States – especially our partners in the Gulf – to step up their financial commitments, too.”

READ: PA apologises for murder of activist Nizar Banat