srael’s refusal to implement a full settlement freeze falls short of the minimal requirements for a genuine peace process to resume

Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr Saeb Erakat today said that Israel’s refusal to implement a full settlement freeze fell far short of its obligations under existing agreements and international law, and far short of the minimal requirements for a genuine peace process to resume.

“Rather than a full settlement freeze, Israel is proposing a series of 'exceptions’ to a full freeze that allow for continued settlement construction, especially in and around occupied East Jerusalem. There is nothing new in this announcement and no change in the status quo of settlements, occupation and Israel’s daily violations of international law that remain the major obstacle to peace,” Dr Erakat said.

“Israel continues to unilaterally impose terms and conditions on negotiations that fall outside the framework of existing agreements and international law, and it is trying to predetermine the outcome of negotiations by excluding Jerusalem. A return to negotiations while Israel refuses to recognize East Jerusalem as part of the occupied Palestinian territory renders any borders first negotiations meaningless.”

“We know from past experience that pressuring Palestinians to make further concessions to accommodate Israel’s intransigence does not lead to peace, but instead paves the way for Israel to continue its colonization of Palestinian land and further entrench its occupation.”

Israel’s 'moratorium’ includes unlimited and accelerated settlement expansion in and around occupied East Jerusalem; no halt to the construction of 3,000 settlement units currently under active construction throughout the rest of the West Bank; construction on a further 492 units approved in September; and unlimited construction of public buildings and infrastructure, including the Wall. Under such conditions, the number of settlers living in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is estimated to increase by over 28,000 people by 2011.

“Without a settlement freeze, there can be no credible negotiations and no credible peace process. Settlements are not only illegal under international law. They pose the greatest threat to the two-state solution and run counter to the formula of 'land for peace’ on which the entire Middle East peace process is built. And without East Jerusalem as its capital, there can be no viable Palestinian state,” Dr Erakat said.

“Israel has put the ball back in the court of the international community, which has consistently called on both parties to meet their obligations under existing agreements and international law in order to create the environment for meaningful negotiations to resume. Palestinians continue to support that position and we will continue to implement our obligations in good faith.”

"Time is running out for the two-state solution. Rather than move the peace process forward, Israel has decided to press on with illegal settlement construction instead. It is a choice that is neither in the interests of Palestinians or Israelis. While hopes for peace based on the two-state solution continue to fade, Palestinian demands for the restoration of our basic rights and freedoms will not,” Dr Erakat concluded.