Dr. Ashrawi on the latest Israeli settlement announcements
Referring to the latest Israeli settlement announcement PLO Executive Committee Member, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, declared:
“Israel is willfully and flagrantly violating international law and the requirements for peace in its latest escalation of settlements expansion. This includes a total of 3,700 new units at Ramat Shlomo settlement (Jerusalem District), 296 in Beit El settlement (Ramallah District), 162 in Yakir settlement (Qalqilya District), 95 units in Shilo settlement (Nablus District) and 31 units in Al Mog settlement (Jericho and the Jordan Valley District). The announcements also include a parking lot for settlers’ use in Silwan and a national park nearby the Mount Scopus – Wadi El Joz area, both in Occupied East Jerusalem.”
“The Israeli occupation is exposing its true intentions of creating ‘greater Israel’ rather than a two-state solution. The Israeli government has proven once again that it is not a partner for peace nor a member of the international community that respects the global rule of law. Today’s announcements are the latest affront directed at U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the US administration’s efforts. We call upon the U.S. to end Israel’s culture of impunity, exceptionalism and entitlement. Such dangerous policies are liable to destroy the chances of peace and to provoke parallel violence and extremism throughout the region."
"We call upon the members of the international community to hold Israel accountable by upholding their own national laws and international obligations,” concluded Dr. Ashrawi.
To access this press release on the PLO DCI website, please click here.