The Palestinian Authority has shut down a branch of a human rights organization, officials said Friday.

PA interior minister Said Abu Ali said that the Palestinian Human Rights Monitor ordered the closure after claiming the group’s activities were not consistent with the interests of the “Palestinian” people, Ma’an News Agency reported.

The minister is basing the decision on a decree by the foreign minister, Riyad al-Malki, the group said.

The Monitor expressed regret over the decision and said it would hold an urgent meeting to discuss subsequent steps. 

The deputy minister of interior said he was unfamiliar with the decision. Other PA officials could not immediately be reached for comment, the news agency reported.