Palestinian children's charity closes in wake of Israeli pressure

A prominent Palestinian children's rights charity has shut down its operations after decades of documenting violations against Palestinian children, blaming sustained Israeli pressure and restrictions.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday night, Defence for Children International - Palestine (DCIP) said it had been forced to end its work due to an increasingly hostile environment that made continuing operations for the charity impossible.

“After 35 years of defending Palestinian children’s rights, we are not able to overcome operational challenges resulting from Israel’s targeted criminalisation of Palestinian human rights organisations," the charity, which is headquartered in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, said in its post.

“For decades, DCIP has worked relentlessly to protect Palestinian children against all odds. Now, we look to others to take up the charge and fight for the future that Palestinian children deserve.”

Founded in 1991, DCIP has been a key source of documentation on Palestinian children impacted by Israeli military operations and detention practices.

Its reports have been widely cited by international organisations, journalists and legal advocates.

The group has documented cases involving Palestinian minors in Israeli custody, including allegations of ill-treatment and administrative detention without charge.

Rights advocates warn that the closure of DCIP leaves a significant gap in independent monitoring of violations against children in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns. 

DCIP’s announcement comes as multiple Palestinian organisations face mounting legal and political pressure, raising concerns about the future of independent human rights documentation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Last year, Israel ordered 37 organisations to shut down operations by March for failing to meet its new stringent rules for aid groups after the NGOs refused to hand over a list of their Palestinian and international staff.