138 Benefit ‐ Nablus, represented by the Head of the Association ‘Abla Basalat. It reads: “The Association has all the necessary licenses and operates within the laws and regulations and has no relations of a political or organizational character. It receives unconditional assistance with the knowledge of the concerned official parties. On 02/03/2010, the Head of the Association and the Treasurer had been summoned to the headquarters of the Preventive Security Service in Nablus and been asked to withdraw the funds allocated in the Islamic Bank of ($45,000 and 56,000 shekels). The amount was handed to the institution’s security official without any official evidences. She also received orders to close the Association account until the replacement of the administrative board by a new board, though without a court order or administrative justification. The procedural steps taken by the Preventive Security in Nablus to change the administrative board are illegal and contrary to the laws and regulations.”175 ICHR received a reply to its letter from the Legal Advisor of the Preventive Security Service. It reads: “With reference to your letter about the complaint submitted by Bazaria Charitable Association, we inform you the following: The moment we had been informed of your letter, the proceedings taken against the Association in question have been checked. Accordingly, we inform you that the actions taken were in line with law and order and in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor as a competent party in the supervision and control of associations registered with the Ministry of Labor.”176 III ‐ The Status of the Formation of Charitable Associations in Gaza Strip177 Charitable organizations in the Gaza Strip were exposed to numerous forms of violations during 2010. It was represented in the issuance of two decisions by the Interior Ministry, limiting and restricting the work and activity of the non‐ governmental organizations. On 22/02/2010, a circulation was issued by ‘Ahed Hamadeh, Director General of the Interior Ministry in Gaza city. It was distributed to the charitable organizations in the Gaza Strip, stating 175 Ibd.. Text of the PSS Legal Advisor’s reply to ICHR. 177 ICHR is satisfied with listing some examples of violations of the right to freedom to form associations. For more information, refer to reports published on its website: www.ichr.ps 176