The issuing of visas which prevent NGOs from working among Palestinians has been condemned by TEAR Fund NZ.

Executive director Stephen Tollestrup said issuing NGOS with tourist visas which prevent them working was another element in Israel's `Matrix of Control' to frustrate and intimidate the Palestinian population.

The matrix of control as described by Professor Jeff Halper is a complex series of control measures, demoralise, intimidate and control. "I have seen these measures at work; checkpoints, roads that can only be used by Israeli's and fighter jets constantly flying overhead."

As occupiers, Israel has an obligation to Geneva and International Humanitarian law to allow NGOs to work there, especially as Israel isn't helping the people themselves. To deny them the ability to work was appalling, he said.

"NGOs are often the only ones advocating for the Palestinians, and they have long called for peaceful solutions to the Middle East tensions."

He said, While TEAR Fund NZ did not have its own people on the ground; it supported indigenous partners working to improve the lives of Palestinians. "We would encourage New Zealanders to join us in protest to the Israeli embassy over this latest move and call on Israel to issue NGOs with the necessary visas to continue their work."