NGO Monitor research has uncovered that the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) – an internationally designated terrorist organization – has substantial ties to at a number European-funded Palestinian NGOs. Research shows that, in some cases, the NGOs were founded by the PFLP itself. In others, PFLP members serve as staff, on the boards, and in key decision making and financial roles at the NGOs. These include Addameer, Al-Dameer, Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCI-P), Health Work Committees (HWC), Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO), Samidoun, Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC), Union of Health Work Committees (UHWC), and Union of Palestinian Women Committees (UPWC).
Palestinian and international NGOs – funded by European governments and working in tandem with UNICEF’s West Bank and Gaza branch – have built an extensive campaign, using false charges of abuse of Palestinian children in the effort to trigger sanctions against Israel.
In 2018-2021, the World Bank funded a $17 million project managed by an anti-peace Palestinian group, NGO Development Center. The project lists several NGO grantees that, according to the available evidence, have links to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Hamas, which is designated as a terror group by the US, the EU, Canada, and Israel.
On June 21, 2020, the Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO) reported that Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCI-P) had elected a new board. Individuals who celebrated convicted terrorists, posted violent images, and made antisemitic statements were appointed, including to the important position of treasurer
On April 9, 2015, Al-Mezan hosted a conference in Gaza about the opportunities for prosecuting Israelis presented by Palestinian ascendancy to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The event featured representatives from Palestinian terrorist organizations – Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) –as well as officials from leading NGOs and the UN.
On June 30, 2020, the European Commission updated its Financial Transparency System (FTS) with details about grants to NGOs authorized in 2019.
PalVision’s board members, officials, and employees have justified and glorified violence against Israeli civilians and praised individual terrorists and terrorist attacks. Additionally, they have employed antisemitic and “anti-normalization” rhetoric in their public statements.
Al-Mezan claims that it seeks to advance human rights. However, its officials and employees include members of the PFLP and Hamas. Additionally, Al-Mezan officials and board members often speak at PFLP events, and many have posted material on their social media accounts promoting terror groups or utilizing antisemitic imagery and rhetoric.
A video uncovered by NGO Monitor researchers captures the breadth and ongoing relevance of the PFLP’s NGO network. The video shows NGO officials, including those who were subsequently arrested and indicted for orchestrating a deadly terror attack, attending a PFLP event.
Multiple PNGO officials have ties to terrorist organizations, and at least five PNGO members have ties to EU-designated terror organizations, including through their employees and/or board members who are directly involved in activities and programs.
Since 2016, NGOs, including a number of groups with ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), have been actively lobbying the UN by signing multiple letters and statements calling for the database to be implemented without further delay.
