In yet another devious attempt to silence human rights activists, Israel recently ordered Omar Shakir, the Jerusalem-based director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), to leave the country within 14 days.

On May 7, Israel revoked Shakir's work permit citing the activist's "alleged support for boycotts of Israel," according to HRW.

The decision was based on a collection of documents compiled by the government, overlooking Shakir's activities spanning over a decade, prior to his employment at HRW.

It also came a year after the Interior Ministry granted HRW a permit to employ Shakir after initially refusing it.

"This is not about Shakir, but rather about muzzling Human Rights Watch and shutting down criticism of Israel’s rights record," said Iain Levine, deputy executive director for program at Human Rights Watch, in a statement.

HRW is calling for a reversal of the decision, which would be the first time Israel orders the deportation of one of its staff members since it began monitoring the country and occupied territories 30 years ago.

"Human Rights Watch stands fully behind Shakir and has retained counsel to challenge the decision before an Israeli court," the organization said.

"This is not what democracies do. Outrageous."

Earlier this year, Israel banned the representatives of 20 international NGOs from entering the country under its anti-BDS law.

This came over a year after Israel's parliament passed a law which denies entry to all supporters of "a boycott of the Jewish state," according to The Guardian.

"It’s only the latest among many recent examples of Israel's growing intolerance of those who criticize its human rights record"

Others rights organizations joined the conversation

The decision has sparked outrage on Twitter

"Pathetic"

"This is almost comical in its excess"

Others resorted to facts

For decades, Israel has been heavily and rightfully criticized with regards to its treatment of rights activists and minors.

The story of Ahed Tamimi, who was arrested after a video of her slapping and kicking two Israeli soldiers who had forced their way into her family's yard, is just one example.

More than 300 Palestinian minors are currently in Israeli jails, 60 percent of whom face physical and psychological torture, according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club (PPC).

In March, at least 17 Palestinians were killed and more than 1,400 left injured after Israeli soldiers attacked protesters during a demonstration against the ongoing illegal occupation.

"Israel's racism is so blatant"

In April, Palestine filed a complaint against Israel for using discriminatory measures and relocating Palestinians in a way to maintain "a colonial occupation," according to an exclusive report by The Guardian.

"We will never be silenced"

Earlier this year, a French mayor was denied entry by Israeli authorities because he's a BDS supporter

In April, a French mayor was denied entry to the West Bank by Israeli authorities because of his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Patrice Leclerc, the mayor of Gennevilliers, a northern suburb in Paris, attempted to cross the Allenby Bridge, connecting Jordan and the West Bank, when authorities refused to let him in. 

"The decision not to let him into the country was made for a series of reasons in connection to his activity in the BDS movement and his promotion of boycotts against Israel," Israel's interior ministry said in a statement, according to media reports.

Gilad Erdan, Strategic Affairs Minister, blacklisted the mayor for being an advocate of the Palestinian cause.

In January, the municipality of Gennevilliers, led by Leclerc, voiced its recognition of the state of Palestine, citing a 2014 French parliament vote.