Israel has declined to renew the visas of the majority of staff for the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOCHR) working in the region – and has barred entry to three others who had been due to begin working there. 

It follows the February publication of a blacklist of 112 companies operating in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. 

According to the Jerusalem Post, UNOHCHR spokesman Rupert Colville confirmed that nine out of 12 staff members have been made to leave Israel since August after their visas were not renewed. 

Three have been denied visas while another three remain until their visas expire in the coming months. 

The Post said the Israeli foreign ministry had declined to comment, but referred back to a statement by then-foreign minister Israel Katz regarding the blacklist. 

Though the database listed businesses operating in East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, Judea and Samaria, it did not accuse any of the companies of violating international law. However it is believed the list might be used to support boycotts of Israeli businesses. 

The list is the first of its kind for any country. 

At the time of its publication, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned: “Whoever boycotts us will be boycotted.” 

Although UNOHCHR staff visas were renewed between March and June, all requests since have been denied. Twenty six Israeli and Palestinian workers remain. 

International staff have been working remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic and Mr Colville said that the move had had “little impact so far”. However, he cautioned of an impact further down the line. 

“It is important to note that our staff regularly monitor and report on all human rights violations that take place in the territory they cover, whether committed by or against Palestinians or Israelis, migrants or others.”