Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Palestinian presidency has condemned decisions approved by the Israeli Cabinet aimed at deepening the annexation of the occupied West Bank saying the move marks a dangerous escalation against the Palestinian people and their national and historical rights.
In a statement, the presidency said the decisions were a continuation of a comprehensive war being waged by the Israeli government against Palestinians, particularly in the occupied West Bank.
The presidency said the measures amount to the practical implementation of annexation and displacement plans, adding that they violate agreements signed between the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and Israel, as well as international law and resolutions of international legitimacy.
“These decisions constitute a blatant violation of the Oslo Accords and the Hebron Agreement,” read the statement.
The Palestinian leadership said the Israeli cabinet’s actions reflect an open attempt to legalise settlement expansion, land confiscation and the demolition of Palestinian properties, including in areas under Palestinian sovereignty.
They also raised concern over threats to Islamic and Christian holy sites and any infringement on the Ibrahimi Mosque or any transfer of authority over it would be unacceptable.
The presidency held Israel, as the occupying power, fully responsible for continued attacks on holy sites and said such actions were aimed at provoking tensions, particularly with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.
“These attacks are intended to ignite tensions on the ground,” reads the statement.
The Palestinian leadership declared the Israeli decisions illegitimate and illegal and said they are null and void and carry no legal consequences.
It said international law rejects settlement activity, annexation attempts and the displacement of Palestinians under any pretext.
The presidency called on the international community to intervene urgently, appealing in particular to the United Nations Security Council and the United States administration to take decisive action to halt the Israeli measures.
It said the decisions threaten international efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.
The presidency reaffirmed that the Palestinian people and their legitimate leadership, represented by the PLO, would continue to defend their land and rights.
It said the State of Palestine would be established as a free, independent and fully sovereign state in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem as its eternal capital.
