Dr. Erakat on The Israeli Election Results

Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr. Saeb Erakat today said that Israel needs to send a clear message that it is committed to the two-state solution and an end to the occupation.

“Any future Israeli government that does not honour Israel’s past agreements with the PLO, that does not totally freeze all settlement activity, that does not deal seriously with the Arab Peace Initiative, and that does not believe in a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, cannot be a partner for peace with the Palestinians,” Dr Erakat said.

“In direct violation of its obligations under successive agreements, Israel has dramatically increased settlement activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, annexing more Palestinian land and eroding the very viability of a two-state solution.”

“Palestinians want to see a complete freeze on all Israeli settlement activity, including all natural growth, in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. In keeping with past agreements and international law, this includes dismantling all Israeli settlement outposts erected since March 2001,” Dr Erakat said.

Dr Erakat went on to say “the international community is required to hold Israel accountable for its repeated non-compliance.”

“Palestinians also want to see Israel endorse the Arab Peace Initiative, which offers a unique opportunity to move the peace process forward along the lines of a comprehensive regional peace. It is an opportunity that Israel has so far squandered,” Dr Erakat said.

On the issue of Gaza, Dr Erakat stressed that “Israel needs to lift its suffocating siege of Gaza. Israel’s crippling blockade has created a man-made humanitarian crisis that no people can tolerate. An immediate first step must include allowing entry for all necessary materials desperately needed for the reconstruction of Gaza.”