08/01/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Monday, 8 January, an EU spokesperson emphasised that "Any decision/action that could curtail freedom of expression and association or complicate the space in which civil society organisations operate should be avoided". The spokesperson also informed EUROPE that in this regard, "We are seeking clarifications from the Israeli authorities". On Sunday the Israeli authorities published a list of around 20 non-governmental organisations (11 of them European), which are banned from accessing Israeli territory as of 1 March due to their support for the boycott, disinvestment and sanctions campaign (BDS) launched in 2005 by Palestinian charities. The spokesperson also pointed out that, "While it upholds its policy of clearly distinguishing between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied by it since 1967, the EU rejects any attempts to isolate Israel and does not support calls for a boycott.” (CG)