The Origins of Palestinian Civil Society
In the case of Palestinian communities since the Nakba of 1948, political agency has been voiced mainly through grassroots activism, primarily in refugee camps. The most well-known period of this grassroots movement is during the First Intifada from 1987 to 1993. Large numbers of Palestinians participated in civil disobedience, boycotts, and street demonstrations around Israeli policy. This form of resistance typified the meaningful role civil society may play in rallying people's participation at the communal level.
Emergence of NGOs in Palestinian Civil Society
Immediately after the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, the number of nongovernmental organizations within all the Palestinian territories increased dramatically. Most of them are internationally funded, with activities focused on development, social services, human rights, and democracy. A majority of these groups were established to fill a gap in service provision by the PA; however, many people have criticized the heavy reliance on foreign financing.
Criticism of "NGO-isation" in Palestine
This mushrooming of NGOs into an "NGO-isation" of Palestinian civil society led to more criticisms. These criticisms argue that the NGO machinery, mobilized by international donor agendas, may, at times, tend to serve foreign interests at the expense of authentic local needs. This created grave concerns about whether NGO activities were congruent with the general aims of Palestinian self-determination.
The Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO)
The Palestinian NGOs Network was established in 1993 and is an umbrella for over 130 NGOs working in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. PNGO works to enhance coordination, consultation, and cooperation among member organizations. The main sectors it operates within include health, democracy and human rights, women and children, rehabilitation, and agriculture.
PNGO's Role in Advocacy and Coordination
PNGO plays an important role in guiding member organizations through general guidelines on activities to be carried out. While PNGO might coordinate the activities of its members, it does not have powers over operations at the level of individual NGOs. This means that each NGO operates independently, though working for a common cause within Palestinian society.
Involvement in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement
PNGO is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which began in 2005 as a form of peaceful resistance against Israeli policies. The BDS movement calls for international pressure on Israel through boycotts, divestment from Israeli companies, and sanctions, aiming to address issues of inequality and occupation. PNGO and its member organizations actively engage in promoting BDS principles at both local and international levels.
Popular Resistance and Grassroots Movements
In addition to NGOs, grassroots groups like the Popular Resistance Committees have been at the forefront of non-violent protests against Israel's land policies, settlement expansions, and the construction of the West Bank separation wall. These groups organize direct actions and community-based resistance, drawing attention to issues like national reconciliation and socio-economic conditions in Gaza.
Human Rights Organizations and Advocacy
Palestinian human rights organizations play a pivotal role in documenting violations of human rights by both Israeli and Palestinian authorities. These groups hold significant responsibility for monitoring compliance with international humanitarian laws in the occupied territories. Many of these organizations have joined forces under the Palestinian Human Rights Organisations Council (PHROC), working collaboratively to address strategic human rights concerns.
Challenges to Human Rights Work
Despite the strong foundation of human rights organizations in Palestine, both the PA and Israeli authorities impose severe restrictions on their activities. Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and Gaza have shown increasing authoritarian tendencies, limiting freedom of expression and cracking down on activists and critics. For instance, the controversial 2017 Law on Electronic Crimes has been used to silence online dissent against the PA.
Crackdowns on Civil Society by Palestinian and Israeli Authorities
Palestinian civil society has faced numerous crackdowns from both the PA and Israeli forces. Notable incidents include the 2018 protests in Ramallah against the PA's sanctions on Gaza, which were met with forceful suppression by PA security forces. The 2021 killing of activist Nizar Banat by PA security forces further intensified calls for accountability and political reform.
Israeli Actions Against Palestinian NGOs
Israeli authorities have also targeted Palestinian NGOs, particularly those associated with human rights advocacy. In October 2021, Israel designated several Palestinian organizations, including Al-Haq and Addameer, as terrorist organizations, accusing them of links to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). This move has led to raids on NGO offices, seizure of property, and increased international scrutiny of these groups' activities.
The Role of Hamas in Civil Society Mobilization
In the Gaza Strip, Hamas and other political factions have joined or supported grassroots movements against such restrictions imposed by both Israel and the PA. Very often, in the Gaza Strip, civil society engages itself in protests demanding Palestinian refugees' rights, calling for the right of return, while also protesting economic blockades and political isolation.
The Future of Palestinian Civil Society
Despite active civil society within the Palestinian territories, both growing authoritarianism and political instability ensure that their freedom and effectiveness are limited. Policies internally within the PA and external pressures from Israel impede grassroots activism and the promotion of human rights.
The Need for International Support
International solidarity, therefore, is much needed to enhance the capabilities of the Palestinian NGOs and grassroots movements for better advocacy of human rights and justice. Global attention to these issues can also help in pushing back against repressive measures and ensuring that Palestinian civil society has space to operate and advocate for its people.
Conclusion
The Palestinian civil society and nongovernmental organizations remain a lively force in the struggle for human rights, social justice, and self-determination of the nation. Though facing huge challenges from internal political dynamics to external pressures, such organizations have remained very instrumental in mobilizing communities, documenting violations of human rights, and advocating for international solidarity. It is a resiliency within Palestinian civil society, with grassroots activism unbeatable and a continuing battle for the cause of equality and justice in the region.