Palestinian President Warns US, Israel against Annexing Any Part of West Bank

Arab World

April 21st, 9:13am

Ramallah - Asharq Al-Awsat

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas holds a map while speaking during a Security Council meeting at the United Nations. (Reuters file photo)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned the US and Israeli governments against annexing any part of the West Bank. Speaking at the government meeting held via video-conference, Abbas stressed that despite the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) occupation with fighting the coronavirus, the Palestinians' main concern remains ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The president underscored that the Palestinians are determined to reject and confront the so-called “deal of the century” US peace plan that proposes the annexation of Palestinian territories. If the annexation is carried out, then “we will take immediate measures against," he vowed without elaborating. Palestinian officials have said that he means all agreements signed with Israel would be annulled. Days ago, secretary general of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Saeb Erekat, warned that any Israeli move to annex any part, even a small part of the West Bank, would clearly and immediately mean the end of all agreements with Israel in all their forms. Moreover, Abbas accused Israel of failing to take any action to deal with Palestinian workers in occupied territories amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "We are keen for them not to become a source of infection, by urging them to stay at home and take tests should they develop any symptoms," he stated, adding that no efforts are being spared to protect Palestine from the virus. He added that discussions are still ongoing with Israel to allow Palestinian workers to return to their homes. Abbas also praised government efforts to contain the impact of coronavirus, including the provision of the necessary equipment to combat the virus. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh asserted that the government will implement all instructions' issued by the president. He said that the government stands behind the Abbas in all his political stances on all issues, especially with regard to the annexation and “deal of the century”.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2244791/palestinian-president-warns-us-israel-against-annexing-any-part-west-bank