26 sept 2018
Dozens of Palestinian refugees protested in front of the Unied Nations’ headquarters in besieged Gaza City, on Wednesday, in rejection of the United States President Donald Trump’s speech and US decisions affecting the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA).
The protest comes under the slogan “No to Jeopardizing the Rights of Refugees”, in time with the UN General Assembly convening, to affirm the right of refugees to return and live decently and in persistence to their just demands under all of their legitimate rights.
Kayid Jarbou, a youth activist, stressed on Palestinians’ rejection of their rights being jeopardized, pointing out that the silence of the UN and the international community on Israeli crimes and US-international decisions against the people cannot be accepted.
According to Ma’an News Agency, Jarbou described Trump’s speech as “abuse,” saying that it confirms US decisions to liquidate the case and to not recognize all international resolutions, and that it adopts a vision which is considered a crime against the people and the international community.
Protesters raised signs condemning the sanctions on UNRWA services.
For her part, protester Suad Musleh called upon Trump to allow the return of refugees to their homes and to compensate them before ending UNRWA’s services, in accordance with Resolution 194, which calls for the return of refugees to their homes.
Musleh also called upon Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to confirm the right of return and compensate refugees, during his speech to the UNGA.
The protest comes under the slogan “No to Jeopardizing the Rights of Refugees”, in time with the UN General Assembly convening, to affirm the right of refugees to return and live decently and in persistence to their just demands under all of their legitimate rights.
Kayid Jarbou, a youth activist, stressed on Palestinians’ rejection of their rights being jeopardized, pointing out that the silence of the UN and the international community on Israeli crimes and US-international decisions against the people cannot be accepted.
According to Ma’an News Agency, Jarbou described Trump’s speech as “abuse,” saying that it confirms US decisions to liquidate the case and to not recognize all international resolutions, and that it adopts a vision which is considered a crime against the people and the international community.
Protesters raised signs condemning the sanctions on UNRWA services.
For her part, protester Suad Musleh called upon Trump to allow the return of refugees to their homes and to compensate them before ending UNRWA’s services, in accordance with Resolution 194, which calls for the return of refugees to their homes.
Musleh also called upon Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to confirm the right of return and compensate refugees, during his speech to the UNGA.
At the UN Human Rights Council meeting on Monday in Geneva, African countries called for the end of Israel’s occupation of Palestine, and for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its continued violations of human rights.
Speaking at a general debate on Item 7 of the UNHRC agenda (the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories), the 54 member-strong African Group, represented by Togo’s Ousmane Salifou, called for an end to the Israeli military occupation of Palestine and the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, and condemned Israel for its excessive use of force against Palestinian demonstrators in the Gaza Strip.
Nigeria's representative, Muhammad S. Isa, noted with concern Israel’s continued occupation of Palestine and its lack of will to implement the resolutions adopted by the United Nations. Nigeria reaffirmed its “support for the historic struggle of the Palestinian people” and condemned Israel’s excessive use of force against Palestinian protesters.
Senegalese representative, Malick Diallo, condemned Israel’s restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement.
Guinea’s representative highlighted Israel’s use of expulsion policies against the Palestinian people. These included home demolitions and movement restrictions.
South Africa's representative, Clinton Swemmer, labelled Israel’s policies against the Palestinian people as apartheid. Swemmer also said that Israel’s new Nation-State Bill denied non-Jews their basic human rights.
Representatives from Angola, Djibouti and Botswana also addressed the gathering, and spoke of the need for Israel to stop the construction of illegal settlements and adhere to international law.
Representing 28% of all UN members, the African Group reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The African Group also reminded the UNHRC of its obligation to act immediately to ensure that the Palestinian people are able to realize their right to self-determination, justice and freedom.
Speaking at a general debate on Item 7 of the UNHRC agenda (the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories), the 54 member-strong African Group, represented by Togo’s Ousmane Salifou, called for an end to the Israeli military occupation of Palestine and the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, and condemned Israel for its excessive use of force against Palestinian demonstrators in the Gaza Strip.
Nigeria's representative, Muhammad S. Isa, noted with concern Israel’s continued occupation of Palestine and its lack of will to implement the resolutions adopted by the United Nations. Nigeria reaffirmed its “support for the historic struggle of the Palestinian people” and condemned Israel’s excessive use of force against Palestinian protesters.
Senegalese representative, Malick Diallo, condemned Israel’s restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement.
Guinea’s representative highlighted Israel’s use of expulsion policies against the Palestinian people. These included home demolitions and movement restrictions.
South Africa's representative, Clinton Swemmer, labelled Israel’s policies against the Palestinian people as apartheid. Swemmer also said that Israel’s new Nation-State Bill denied non-Jews their basic human rights.
Representatives from Angola, Djibouti and Botswana also addressed the gathering, and spoke of the need for Israel to stop the construction of illegal settlements and adhere to international law.
Representing 28% of all UN members, the African Group reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The African Group also reminded the UNHRC of its obligation to act immediately to ensure that the Palestinian people are able to realize their right to self-determination, justice and freedom.
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During his speech from the podium of the General Assembly of the United Nations, in New York, King Abdullah of Jordan, said that only the two-state solution, and the full implementation of all resolutions issued by the United Nations and the Security Council, can resolve the current conflict, and bring peace to Israel and Palestine.
King Abdullah stressed on the importance of establishing a viable, sovereign and independent Palestinian State, with east Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace next to Israel and the rest of the world. He added that all resolutions, adopted by the United Nations and its Security Council since the beginning of the conflict, fully recognize the legitimate Palestinian rights of independence and liberty, to live in peace and dignity. |
“This is the core of the two-state solution,” he said, “This is the only way to achieve a lasting, comprehensive peace.”
He also stated that all Arab and Islamic States are committed to a comprehensive peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative, which was submitted more than 16 years ago, offering peace and normalization with Israel in return for its complete withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
King Abdullah added that various countries around the world, the United Nations and the European Union, have been working to achieve real peace and security.
“We cannot just surrender because the mission is hard. Otherwise, what are the alternatives we will all face? We cannot keep one of the most important, strategic, regions in the entire word hostage for endless violence,” he said, “Jerusalem, a holy city to more than half of the people of this world, cannot continue to face these constant threats that target its heritage, history and its identity based on respect to all religions.”
“What is the future that we will face based on what some are suggesting? A bi-national state based on denying equality among its citizens? This is the ugly and undemocratic truth about the one-state solution, which is not, in any way, an alternative to peace based on the two-state solution.” King Abdullah added, “It is just another way to avoid working towards a peaceful settlement, based on equal rights for all.”
King Abdullah also said that world countries must work together to restart the peace process on the correct track, away from threats, illegal activities, the confiscation of lands, or threats targeting the daily livelihood and security of innocent civilians, especially the children.
He also called for supporting and financing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and all organizations that support the poor families and the stability of societies.
Further, the Jordanian King stressed on the importance of protecting and preserving the heritage of Jerusalem, a city holy to billions around the world, and added that any attempt to alter and void the historic, Arab, Islamic and Christian history of the city, must be encountered and foiled.
In related news, Nabil Abu Rodeina, the spokesperson of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, strongly denounced Trump’s speech at the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly, and said the Trump is only deepening conflict, and obstructing the chances of achieving real peace.
Abu Rodeina said that Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Palestine in the 1967 borders, regardless of who accepts or rejects this fact.
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said in a tweet that the speech of the U.S. President is “plain bullying.”
“Trump at the UN: superficial defense of unilateralism, isolationism & plain bullying,” she wrote, “He launched an arrogant attack on the global system from its podium, boasted of illegally moving embassy to Jerusalem & leaving HR Council! Condescending ignorance: double flaws.”
He also stated that all Arab and Islamic States are committed to a comprehensive peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative, which was submitted more than 16 years ago, offering peace and normalization with Israel in return for its complete withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
King Abdullah added that various countries around the world, the United Nations and the European Union, have been working to achieve real peace and security.
“We cannot just surrender because the mission is hard. Otherwise, what are the alternatives we will all face? We cannot keep one of the most important, strategic, regions in the entire word hostage for endless violence,” he said, “Jerusalem, a holy city to more than half of the people of this world, cannot continue to face these constant threats that target its heritage, history and its identity based on respect to all religions.”
“What is the future that we will face based on what some are suggesting? A bi-national state based on denying equality among its citizens? This is the ugly and undemocratic truth about the one-state solution, which is not, in any way, an alternative to peace based on the two-state solution.” King Abdullah added, “It is just another way to avoid working towards a peaceful settlement, based on equal rights for all.”
King Abdullah also said that world countries must work together to restart the peace process on the correct track, away from threats, illegal activities, the confiscation of lands, or threats targeting the daily livelihood and security of innocent civilians, especially the children.
He also called for supporting and financing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and all organizations that support the poor families and the stability of societies.
Further, the Jordanian King stressed on the importance of protecting and preserving the heritage of Jerusalem, a city holy to billions around the world, and added that any attempt to alter and void the historic, Arab, Islamic and Christian history of the city, must be encountered and foiled.
In related news, Nabil Abu Rodeina, the spokesperson of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, strongly denounced Trump’s speech at the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly, and said the Trump is only deepening conflict, and obstructing the chances of achieving real peace.
Abu Rodeina said that Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Palestine in the 1967 borders, regardless of who accepts or rejects this fact.
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said in a tweet that the speech of the U.S. President is “plain bullying.”
“Trump at the UN: superficial defense of unilateralism, isolationism & plain bullying,” she wrote, “He launched an arrogant attack on the global system from its podium, boasted of illegally moving embassy to Jerusalem & leaving HR Council! Condescending ignorance: double flaws.”
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In a letter distributed to Journalists at the United Nations in New York by the Director of the International Justice Program of the Human Rights Watch, Richard Dicker, the organization denounced Trump’s speech at the UN General Assembly, attacking the International Criminal Court.
“Trump’s threats today against the ICC are music for the ears of tyrants and war criminals, and his opposition to justice for the victims of genocide is yet another regression by the administration on human rights,” Dicker said. He added that the attack on international justice will only backfire, just as what happened during the Bush Administration of the United States. Trump’s statement came during the opening ceremony of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York, which was attended by leaders of more than 140 countries around the world. In his speech, Trump said that the United States does not recognize the International Criminal Court, and described it as a violation of the sovereignty of independent countries. He said that the ICC has “no jurisdiction, no legitimacy, and no authority, shielding human rights violations, while bashing American and its many friends.” |
25 sept 2018
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has reported that the Israeli government, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, has yet again affirmed its hostility towards peace, and all real Palestinian and international efforts to resume direct peace talks, based on international legitimacy resolutions.
The Ministry stated that Netanyahu and his government are openly rejecting any real peace agreement, based on the two-state solution, and all related United Nations and Security Council resolutions, including the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, and establishing a Palestinian State with east Jerusalem as its capital.
It added that various Israeli media outlets have been talking, Monday, about major Israeli diplomatic moves, and pressures, aimed at foiling the international diplomacy of President Mahmoud Abbas, to protect the two-state solution.
|Abbas Arrives In New York For General Assembly Meeting|
Furthermore, the Ministry said that Israel is acting on all levels, in coordination with the United States, which blindly supports Tel Aviv’s illegal policies and serious violations, in an attempt to void the internationally guaranteed Palestinian rights of liberation, independence, and the full Israeli withdrawal from all of the occupied territories, including the occupied capital, East Jerusalem.
The Ministry also said that the time has come for the international community, and all United Nations organizations, to protect and defend what it left of their legitimacy, and act on ending the suffering of the Palestinian people, living under ongoing Israeli occupation, oppression, and the theft of lands for the construction and expansion of illegal colonies.
It stated that the international community must act fast, and secure the implementation of all related resolutions, in addition to support the “diplomatic initiative presented by President Abbas regarding serious direct peace talks,” and to counter the illegal American-Israeli policies against the Palestinian people and their basic human rights.
The Ministry called on the International Community, the Quartet Committee, and every country that seeks real peace and justice, to act and support the message of peace, before it is too late.
The Ministry stated that Netanyahu and his government are openly rejecting any real peace agreement, based on the two-state solution, and all related United Nations and Security Council resolutions, including the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, and establishing a Palestinian State with east Jerusalem as its capital.
It added that various Israeli media outlets have been talking, Monday, about major Israeli diplomatic moves, and pressures, aimed at foiling the international diplomacy of President Mahmoud Abbas, to protect the two-state solution.
|Abbas Arrives In New York For General Assembly Meeting|
Furthermore, the Ministry said that Israel is acting on all levels, in coordination with the United States, which blindly supports Tel Aviv’s illegal policies and serious violations, in an attempt to void the internationally guaranteed Palestinian rights of liberation, independence, and the full Israeli withdrawal from all of the occupied territories, including the occupied capital, East Jerusalem.
The Ministry also said that the time has come for the international community, and all United Nations organizations, to protect and defend what it left of their legitimacy, and act on ending the suffering of the Palestinian people, living under ongoing Israeli occupation, oppression, and the theft of lands for the construction and expansion of illegal colonies.
It stated that the international community must act fast, and secure the implementation of all related resolutions, in addition to support the “diplomatic initiative presented by President Abbas regarding serious direct peace talks,” and to counter the illegal American-Israeli policies against the Palestinian people and their basic human rights.
The Ministry called on the International Community, the Quartet Committee, and every country that seeks real peace and justice, to act and support the message of peace, before it is too late.
Ireland may recognize Palestine as an official state, if talks over a two-state solution with Israel keep failing, the Irish foreign minister said, Saturday.
FM Simon Coveney made the remarks during a joint press conference in Dublin, with visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, who was accompanying President Mahmoud Abbas.
“We have made a choice not to officially recognize the state of Palestine just yet,” the Irish Times quoted Coveney as saying.
“But, if this hopelessness continues, in terms of the dialogue working, we will be forced to review that for obvious reasons, as I think a lot of other countries in Europe will too,” he added.
He said that Ireland has already committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a peace process; however, if negotiations between Palestine and Israel continue to prove fruitless, “we may have to forget the second part of that.”
Al-Maliki was in Dublin, with Abbas, and the duo also met Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar and President Michael D. Higgins during their stopover, on their way to New York, to attend next week’s UN General Assembly.
Abbas is expected to appeal to the international community to salvage the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or totally abandon it.
Meeting in Ireland
Coveney announced, during the press conference, that the Irish government is considering hosting a meeting in Ireland, between leaders of Arab and European countries and Palestinian representatives, to restart the stalled peace process, the Irish Times reported.
Describing Donald Trump‘s US administration’s decision to pull $200 million in funding from the UNRWA – UN agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East – as “a mistake,” Coveney pledged to increase Irish funding for the agency from €4.5 million ($5.3 million) to €7 million ($8.24 million).
Late last month, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that Washington would “no longer commit funding” to the refugee agency.
The U.S. has long been the UNRWA’s largest contributor, providing it with $350 million annually — roughly a quarter of the agency’s overall budget.
Established in 1949, the UNRWA provides critical aid to Palestinian refugees in the blockaded Gaza Strip, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Al-Maliki welcomed the suggested meeting by the Irish government, as he said the international community should “take up its own responsibility to seek action when it comes to Palestinian-Israeli peace process.”
Occupation, ‘illegal’ expansion
Coveney was asked if he believes that Israel is moving towards imposing an apartheid-style regime.
“We have an occupation of the Palestinian territories,” he responded.
“And, while that occupation is taking place, we are seeing an expansion of Israeli settlements onto Palestinian lands. In our view, that is illegal.”
Also, speaking about the closing of Palestinian Liberation Organization office in Washington by the U.S. administration, Coveney said: “We need sustained dialogue if we are to make a breakthrough in the Middle East peace process.”
“We believe that shutting down channels of communications is never a good idea,” he added.
~ Anadolu Agency/Days of Palestine
03/04/16 Gino Kenny Raises Palestinian Flag Upon Election Victory
FM Simon Coveney made the remarks during a joint press conference in Dublin, with visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, who was accompanying President Mahmoud Abbas.
“We have made a choice not to officially recognize the state of Palestine just yet,” the Irish Times quoted Coveney as saying.
“But, if this hopelessness continues, in terms of the dialogue working, we will be forced to review that for obvious reasons, as I think a lot of other countries in Europe will too,” he added.
He said that Ireland has already committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a peace process; however, if negotiations between Palestine and Israel continue to prove fruitless, “we may have to forget the second part of that.”
Al-Maliki was in Dublin, with Abbas, and the duo also met Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar and President Michael D. Higgins during their stopover, on their way to New York, to attend next week’s UN General Assembly.
Abbas is expected to appeal to the international community to salvage the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or totally abandon it.
Meeting in Ireland
Coveney announced, during the press conference, that the Irish government is considering hosting a meeting in Ireland, between leaders of Arab and European countries and Palestinian representatives, to restart the stalled peace process, the Irish Times reported.
Describing Donald Trump‘s US administration’s decision to pull $200 million in funding from the UNRWA – UN agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East – as “a mistake,” Coveney pledged to increase Irish funding for the agency from €4.5 million ($5.3 million) to €7 million ($8.24 million).
Late last month, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that Washington would “no longer commit funding” to the refugee agency.
The U.S. has long been the UNRWA’s largest contributor, providing it with $350 million annually — roughly a quarter of the agency’s overall budget.
Established in 1949, the UNRWA provides critical aid to Palestinian refugees in the blockaded Gaza Strip, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Al-Maliki welcomed the suggested meeting by the Irish government, as he said the international community should “take up its own responsibility to seek action when it comes to Palestinian-Israeli peace process.”
Occupation, ‘illegal’ expansion
Coveney was asked if he believes that Israel is moving towards imposing an apartheid-style regime.
“We have an occupation of the Palestinian territories,” he responded.
“And, while that occupation is taking place, we are seeing an expansion of Israeli settlements onto Palestinian lands. In our view, that is illegal.”
Also, speaking about the closing of Palestinian Liberation Organization office in Washington by the U.S. administration, Coveney said: “We need sustained dialogue if we are to make a breakthrough in the Middle East peace process.”
“We believe that shutting down channels of communications is never a good idea,” he added.
~ Anadolu Agency/Days of Palestine
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21 sept 2018
President Mahmoud Abbas said, in a press conference on Friday, following his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, in Paris, that the Palestinian leadership is willing to begin confidential or public peace negotiations with Israel.
“We have not rejected negotiations, as the Israelis say, but [Benjamin] Netanyahu always refused,” the President told reporters outside the Elysee Palace, according to WAFA.
He continued, “We have declared our position towards the negotiations… and the Israelis say that the Palestinians reject the negotiations. I challenge them if we were once called for secret or public negotiations in more than one state and we rejected. Rather, Netanyahu always rejected.”
“We are ready to begin negotiations in private or in public, provided that such negotiations be brokered by the Quartet and other countries. We welcome any European or Arab country,” the PA President added.
In response to a question about France’s possible recognition of the State of Palestine, he said: “The French are interested in this matter, are are studying it further. They [the French] believe it is one of the most important issues of interest to them.”
“France is one of the most important European countries. I think it will lead a European position that we do not know when, and we will not insist on knowing when. But the French president is keen to have a European position capable of playing this role.”
“We have not rejected negotiations, as the Israelis say, but [Benjamin] Netanyahu always refused,” the President told reporters outside the Elysee Palace, according to WAFA.
He continued, “We have declared our position towards the negotiations… and the Israelis say that the Palestinians reject the negotiations. I challenge them if we were once called for secret or public negotiations in more than one state and we rejected. Rather, Netanyahu always rejected.”
“We are ready to begin negotiations in private or in public, provided that such negotiations be brokered by the Quartet and other countries. We welcome any European or Arab country,” the PA President added.
In response to a question about France’s possible recognition of the State of Palestine, he said: “The French are interested in this matter, are are studying it further. They [the French] believe it is one of the most important issues of interest to them.”
“France is one of the most important European countries. I think it will lead a European position that we do not know when, and we will not insist on knowing when. But the French president is keen to have a European position capable of playing this role.”
17 sept 2018
After shutting down the Palestinian Representative Office in Washington D.C., the Trump administration on Sunday ordered the Palestinian Envoy, Ambassador Dr. Husam Zomlot, and his family, out of the country, after cancelling their Visas and closing their US bank accounts.
Zomlot and his family, consisting of his wife and two children, age 5 and 7, were forced to leave the country immediately, without any chance to settle their affairs in Washington DC, where they have lived for years, and their Visas were valid until 2022.
The Palestinian envoy reportedly told the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen news outlet that “the American authorities cancelled my visa and my family’s visa and closed our bank accounts. We’ve been ordered to leave Washington immediately.”
Before the announcement that Zomlot would be forced to leave the country immediately, he had published this video on Twitter and Facebook saying that despite the U.S. Administration’s decision to close the Palestinian Representative Office, he hoped that the Palestinian and American people would remain committed toward building peace with each other over the long term:
Palestinian legislator, and member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, responded to the U.S. decision to force the Representative out of Washington by calling it blackmail and vindictive.
She told the Palestinian News Agency WAFA, “As if the announcement that the U.S. would close our office in Washington D.C. was not enough, this vindictive action by the Trump administration is spiteful. The U.S. has taken its attempts to pressure and blackmail the Palestinians to a new level.”
Analysts say that this appears to be another move by the US to pressure the Palestinian Authority into surrendering and accepting the so-called ‘deal of the century’ outlined by Jared Kushner and Trump, which would deny the Palestinian people their right to self-determination, deny the existence of the vast majority of Palestinians, especially the refugees, and force the Palestinians to live permanently in razor-wire surrounded reservations under the control of the Israeli military with no chance to have a state of their own.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement claiming that the Palestinian Representative Office in Washington D.C. had a waiver that expired in November 2017, and that they have allowed them to operate since that time with the objective of working on a ‘peace agreement’. video
The Trump administration refused to renew the waiver that allows the office to operate, thus rendering the status of 600,000 Palestinian-Americans in jeopardy – with no way to renew their Palestinian passports and other legal documents.
Zomlot and his family, consisting of his wife and two children, age 5 and 7, were forced to leave the country immediately, without any chance to settle their affairs in Washington DC, where they have lived for years, and their Visas were valid until 2022.
The Palestinian envoy reportedly told the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen news outlet that “the American authorities cancelled my visa and my family’s visa and closed our bank accounts. We’ve been ordered to leave Washington immediately.”
Before the announcement that Zomlot would be forced to leave the country immediately, he had published this video on Twitter and Facebook saying that despite the U.S. Administration’s decision to close the Palestinian Representative Office, he hoped that the Palestinian and American people would remain committed toward building peace with each other over the long term:
Palestinian legislator, and member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, responded to the U.S. decision to force the Representative out of Washington by calling it blackmail and vindictive.
She told the Palestinian News Agency WAFA, “As if the announcement that the U.S. would close our office in Washington D.C. was not enough, this vindictive action by the Trump administration is spiteful. The U.S. has taken its attempts to pressure and blackmail the Palestinians to a new level.”
Analysts say that this appears to be another move by the US to pressure the Palestinian Authority into surrendering and accepting the so-called ‘deal of the century’ outlined by Jared Kushner and Trump, which would deny the Palestinian people their right to self-determination, deny the existence of the vast majority of Palestinians, especially the refugees, and force the Palestinians to live permanently in razor-wire surrounded reservations under the control of the Israeli military with no chance to have a state of their own.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement claiming that the Palestinian Representative Office in Washington D.C. had a waiver that expired in November 2017, and that they have allowed them to operate since that time with the objective of working on a ‘peace agreement’. video
The Trump administration refused to renew the waiver that allows the office to operate, thus rendering the status of 600,000 Palestinian-Americans in jeopardy – with no way to renew their Palestinian passports and other legal documents.
12 sept 2018
Archbishop of Sebastia from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem Atallah Hanna on Wednesday said that the recent US pressures on the Palestinian people are aimed at liquidating the Palestinian cause through the Deal of the Century.
During a meeting with Jerusalem notables, Hanna slammed US president for his plan to drop Palestinian refugees' right to return.
After 25 years have passed since the start of "absurd negotiations" (Oslo Accords), Hanna added, Palestinians are now more mature and aware of the conspiracies plotted against their cause.
"US president and his allies are not the ones who decide the fate of the Palestinian people, and there is no force in the world that can remove Palestine from the map," he stressed.
He affirmed that Palestinians will never give up their rights, most importantly their right to return, and will never allow suspicious projects, like the Deal of the Century, pass.
During a meeting with Jerusalem notables, Hanna slammed US president for his plan to drop Palestinian refugees' right to return.
After 25 years have passed since the start of "absurd negotiations" (Oslo Accords), Hanna added, Palestinians are now more mature and aware of the conspiracies plotted against their cause.
"US president and his allies are not the ones who decide the fate of the Palestinian people, and there is no force in the world that can remove Palestine from the map," he stressed.
He affirmed that Palestinians will never give up their rights, most importantly their right to return, and will never allow suspicious projects, like the Deal of the Century, pass.
11 sept 2018
The official spokesperson of the Palestinian Presidency, Nabil Abu Rodeina, stated on Monday evening that the Palestinians will remain steadfast in the struggle for their legitimate rights, especially in occupied Jerusalem, and added that the holy city is more important than the relations with the United States.
Abu Rodeina said that the American policies, and the hostile decisions and practices of President Donald Trump, cannot void the historic and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, topped by their struggle for liberation, the Right of Return of the refugees, and establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
“Out rights are inalienable, and cannot be voided; our people will remain steadfast and will continue their struggle for their internationally guaranteed right of liberation and independence,” he said, “The Right of Return of all refugees is a legitimate inalienable right. The liberation of Palestine, and its capital Jerusalem, are more important than the relations with the United States.”
The official further stated that the latest U.S. decision to shut the Palestinian representative office in Washington is an illegal act of political blackmail, and added that these policies cannot void the legitimate Palestinian rights, and the steadfast position in protecting the city and its holy sites.
He added that the Palestinian leadership is committed to all related United Nations and Security Council resolutions, and is also abiding by all decisions of the Arab League, regarding protecting the Palestinian cause, and reaching a comprehensive peace agreement by ending the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Abu Rodeina said that the American policies, and the hostile decisions and practices of President Donald Trump, cannot void the historic and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, topped by their struggle for liberation, the Right of Return of the refugees, and establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
“Out rights are inalienable, and cannot be voided; our people will remain steadfast and will continue their struggle for their internationally guaranteed right of liberation and independence,” he said, “The Right of Return of all refugees is a legitimate inalienable right. The liberation of Palestine, and its capital Jerusalem, are more important than the relations with the United States.”
The official further stated that the latest U.S. decision to shut the Palestinian representative office in Washington is an illegal act of political blackmail, and added that these policies cannot void the legitimate Palestinian rights, and the steadfast position in protecting the city and its holy sites.
He added that the Palestinian leadership is committed to all related United Nations and Security Council resolutions, and is also abiding by all decisions of the Arab League, regarding protecting the Palestinian cause, and reaching a comprehensive peace agreement by ending the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine.
