The Israeli interior ministry has stopped issuing work permits to foreigners working for international non-governmental organisations (NGOs).<br /><br />In the last few weeks, NGO staff have been given tourist visas instead, making it virtually impossible for them to carry out their work.<br /><br />The new Israeli policy affects 120 International NGOs, of which many which provide vital developmental and humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.<br /><br />Many NGO members have said that Israel's actions are illegal because the country is obligated under Geneva and humanitarian law to issue them visas and let them work freely there.<br /><br />Al Jazeera's Sherine Tadros reports from Jerusalem.<br /><br />[February 9, 2010]
