Erekat: Violence is Israeli response to peace overtures

[ProgressiveMuslim]

Published yesterday (updated) 06/03/2010 12:35

Bethlehem - Ma'an - Violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is Israel's answer to the Arab League's offer to renew peace negotiations, chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erakat alleged on Friday, as dozens of Palestinians and Israeli police officers were injured in Jerusalem.

"We see this aggression against our people and holy sites as the Israeli response," Erekat said in a statement, condemning a raid on the yards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, during which Israeli forces fired rubber-coated bullets at protesting worshipers.

An estimated 200 police officers fired tear gas, rubber-coated bullets, and stun grenades as Palestinians threw rocks, witnesses said. The raid, which left as many as 60 Palestinians and 18 Israeli police officers injured, was sparked by confrontations at the Haram Ash-Sharif, or noble sanctuary, which houses the mosque, the third holiest site in Islam that is also revered by Jews.

The violence follows last week's announcement of Israel's intention to construct more housing units in settlements in occupied East Jerusalem as well Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Israel would keep the Jordan Valley under its control under any hypothetical peace agreement.

Erekat pointed out that it also comes as the Israeli government adopted a plan to include Palestinian religious and heritage sites on the Israeli national heritage list. "Today's aggression is simply the conclusion of a week where Israel did everything possible to tell us they are not serious about peace," he said.

"Following Arab willingness to engage in proximity talks towards peace, the ball is now in the court of the international community and the United States to take action in response to Israeli aggression and ensure a conductive environment for peace negotiations," he added.

"This can only be done if Israel is held accountable to international law and its obligations under the Road Map, including a full settlement freeze and end to violence," Erekat concluded.

The top PLO official's remarks came after the Office of the President released a statement demanding an end to "this Israeli adventure, which could spark a religious war in the region."

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