Dr. Ashrawi on the Likud party’s decision to annex the Occupied West Bank and grant sovereignty to the illegal settlements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 1, 2018

Dr. Ashrawi on the Likud party’s decision to annex the Occupied West Bank and grant sovereignty to the illegal settlements

PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi strongly condemned the unanimous decision by the Likud party and concurrence by its right wing coalition partners to annex the Occupied West Bank and impose Israeli “sovereignty” on illegal Jewish settlements in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to declare Jerusalem Israel’s capital and relocate the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem:

“Israel has been emboldened by the US administration’s irresponsible and provocative policies and is therefore escalating its violations of international law and bringing about an official end to the failing peace process. This is the final demise of the two-state solution and previously signed agreements. The latest steps by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are adding fuel to the flames and further enhancing Israel’s aggression against the Palestinian people and their lands and rights. In this context, Israel’s announced intention to build one million settler units in the Occupied West Bank exposes the real nature of Israeli expansionism and unilateralism. 

We have repeatedly sought the international community’s intervention and asked member states to translate their condemnations of Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise into serious and concrete actions that would include punitive measures.

The total lack of accountability for Israel and the reluctance of the international system to employ sanctions against Israel have contributed to the persistence of Israeli lawlessness and war crimes.

We call on Arab and OIC representatives to urgently request an emergency UNSC meeting and propose a Chapter Seven Resolution to bring about the immediate cessation of Israel’s dangerous violations. We also urge the High Contracting Parties of the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene immediately and guarantee protection for the Palestinian people and accountability for Israel.

The Palestinian leadership has fulfilled all of its obligations as outlined in international law, previously signed agreements and terms of reference. However, in light of yesterday’s decision by the Likud party the Palestinian leadership will be re-evaluating its policies and options during the forthcoming Palestine Central Council meeting. Israel’s violation of all agreements and commitments has nullified Palestinian obligations and destroyed the chances of peace.”