WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (KUNA) --- The US said Thursday that they "are concerned about the Israeli security forces closure of the six offices of the Palestinian NGOs in and around Ramallah today." State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters during a briefing that they "have reached out to the Israeli government at including at senior levels, including here from Washington, as well as from our embassy in Jerusalem for more information regarding the basis for these closures and we'll continue to seek additional information and to convey our concern directly and privately to our Israeli partners." "Our Israeli partners, in turn, have assured us that more information will be forthcoming regarding the basis for their actions. We, of course, have assured them that we will review that information on a timely basis and very carefully as well," Price added.
"The fact that independent civil society organizations in the West Bank and Israel must be able to continue their important work," Price said.
"Civil society is a thriving an integral element to thriving democracies the world over. And, of course, that applies here," Price added. (end) asj.mb