The Israeli interior ministry has stopped issuing work permits to foreigners working for international non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

In the last few weeks, NGO staff have been given tourist visas instead, making it virtually impossible for them to carry out their work.

The new Israeli policy affects 120 international NGOs, many of which provide vital developmental and humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

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.