During April 2026, Palestinian civil society organisations in the West Bank faced a series of incidents involving Israeli authorities and settlers that significantly restricted their operations, access to communities, and ability to function safely.
On 2 April 2026, the Director of Sharek Youth Forum and several colleagues were attacked at the Youth Village in Kafr Ni’ma, west of Ramallah. According to Sharek, settlers—under the protection of the Israeli army—assaulted staff members and detained them in a military tower. This incident is part of a broader pattern, with Sharek reporting 63 attacks on the Youth Village since 7 October 2023. The Youth Village serves as a vital civic and recreational space for young people, offering educational, sports, and community activities.
On 14 April 2026, Israeli authorities closed Islamic Charitable Society in Hebron and arrested its president, a former Minister of Religious Endowments. Authorities alleged that the organisation was operating “illegally” and claimed links to “terrorism,” allegations that were strongly denied by the society. Established in 1961 and licensed by the Palestinian Ministry of Social Development, the society provides essential services to more than 6,000 orphans from approximately 2,000 families. The timing of the closure—shortly before the local elections scheduled for 25 April 2026, in which the president reportedly intended to run—has raised concerns among civil society actors about potential impacts on civic and electoral space in Hebron.
On 7 April 2026, Defense for Children International – Palestine announced the closure of one of its branches following sustained pressure and restrictions linked to Israel’s designation of the organisation, along with others, as “terrorist organizations.” These allegations have been repeatedly challenged by Human Rights Watch and other international actors, who have stated that they remain unsubstantiated. The organization has played a key role in documenting violations against Palestinian children, including detention practices, ill-treatment, and denial of fair trial guarantees.
Taken together, these incidents reflect a continued deterioration in the enabling environment for civil society in the West Bank, particularly affecting freedom of association, operational space, and the protection of human rights defenders.