Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the official spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, sharply criticized Israel for releasing maps that, according to him, wrongly depict “Palestinian lands” as part of Israel’s territory.
Abu Rudeineh also denounced what he described as “racist” remarks from Israeli officials advocating for the annexation of Judea and Samaria and the creation of Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, calling these actions a “flagrant violation of all international legitimate decisions and international law.”
He further held Israel accountable for the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, and its aftermath, accusing Israeli policy of inciting the violence.
“Israel’s extremist policy is what ignited the region and led to the wars we are witnessing today,” Abu Rudeineh said, as reported by the official PA news outlet, Wafa.
Abu Rudeineh emphasized that the priority should be to secure an immediate ceasefire, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2735, and to fully withdraw Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. He called for the State of Palestine to assume full control over Gaza, viewing this as an essential first step toward fulfilling international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, ultimately leading to peace, security, and stability in the region and worldwide.
He also urged the incoming Trump administration to take action to stop Israel’s policies, which he claimed hinder regional security and peace.
Thus far, the Palestinian Authority and Abbas have refrained from making a clear and definitive condemnation of the October 7 attack.
{Matzav.com}