The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has withdrawn its funding of 18.25 million kronor (approximately $1.7 million USD) over the past four years from the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), causing profound disappointment in the West Bank. EAPPI volunteers, known as accompaniers, work to de-escalate tensions and document human rights violations, providing a crucial protective presence for Palestinian civilians often subjected to settler violence. Thaer Njoum, a Jericho-based activist collaborating with EAPPI, laments the loss, emphasizing the daily occurrences of violence against civilians in areas like the Jordan Valley and highlighting the significant contributions made by the Swedish accompaniers. The withdrawal of funding comes at a time of escalating violence and increased targeting of human rights organizations by Israeli authorities.
EAPPI’s work is multi-faceted, focusing primarily on non-violent intervention and documentation. The physical presence of accompaniers often deters settler aggression. Furthermore, their meticulous documentation of violent incidents serves as crucial evidence for international bodies investigating human rights abuses, particularly as states implement sanctions against settlers and international courts gather data on perpetrators. This role is increasingly critical given the rise in settler violence and the increasing restrictions placed on human rights organizations operating in the region. The escalating tensions have resulted in the arrest and detention of numerous accompaniers, accused of obstructing police work. Several have been forced to leave the country under threat of deportation, further hindering efforts to monitor and document human rights violations.
The Israeli government’s actions extend beyond targeting international accompaniers, impacting Israeli human rights advocates as well. The declaration of ”military protected areas” by Israeli commanders effectively restricts access to these zones, limiting the ability of human rights organizations to monitor and report on activities within these areas. Any civilian presence in these designated areas risks arrest and prosecution, further hampering efforts to document potential human rights abuses. This combined pressure on both international and Israeli human rights groups creates a concerning environment for those working to protect vulnerable populations in the West Bank.
Erik Svanberg, coordinator of EAPPI’s Swedish branch, underscores the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, emphasizing the escalating violence and harassment faced by Palestinians. He points to EAPPI’s unique role as often the sole recourse for those targeted, highlighting the program’s two-decade long contribution – supported by Sida – towards protecting civilians and promoting respect for international law. The loss of funding is a significant setback for these efforts. Sida’s justification for the withdrawal cites a new regional strategy for development cooperation across the Middle East, integrating Palestinian aid into a broader framework. However, critics argue that this approach undermines the specific needs and vulnerabilities of Palestinians in the occupied territories.
The decision to defund EAPPI is perceived as a troubling signal, particularly coming from Sweden, a country known for its pro-Palestinian stance. Critics argue that withdrawing support for such a peaceful and apolitical organization emboldens those seeking to displace and harass Palestinians. The funding cut is particularly concerning in the context of the increasing power of extremist settlers within the Israeli government and occupation forces. These groups actively seek to eliminate critical voices, including journalists and human rights organizations, from the West Bank. The withdrawal of support for an organization dedicated to protecting civilians is seen as aligning with this agenda.
The current political climate in Israel, dominated by extremist settlers, including figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, fuels this escalation of violence. Settler violence against Palestinian shepherds and farmers, primarily emanating from unauthorized outposts, has become rampant. These outposts, numbering nearly one hundred, have rapidly expanded, seizing control of over twelve percent of the West Bank in recent years. This expansion, accelerated after last year’s Hamas attack, highlights the increasing impunity enjoyed by settlers. Recent incidents, such as the arson attack on a mosque in Marda village with the Hebrew word for ”revenge” spray-painted on its walls, underscore the escalating tensions and the real-world consequences of diminished human rights monitoring. The removal of organizations like EAPPI leaves a critical gap in protection for vulnerable Palestinian communities.
