Palestinian Authority says it holds Israeli government responsible for minister’s threats against Abbas
The office of Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s comments against him and his senior colleagues, saying it holds the Israeli government responsible for what it considers dangerous incitement.
As we reported earlier, Ben-Gvir called on Monday for Abbas to be imprisoned and for senior Palestinian officials to be assassinated if the UN moves ahead with plans to recognise Palestinian statehood.
The PA presidency called on the administration of US President Donald Trump and the international community to put pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to end its incitement against Palestinians leaders, according to the Wafa news agency.
UK diplomat warns violence in West Bank can undermine Gaza progress
Speaking at the UNSC meeting after it adopted the US resolution, UK ambassador to the UN, James Kariuki, has stressed the need for aid agencies to be allowed to work without disruption.
He also stressed the need for the transitional arrangement to be implemented in accordance with international law and respect for Palestinian sovereignty.
He concluded his remarks on the ongoing spate of violence in the occupied West Bank, warning that the deteriorating economic conditions in the Palestinian territory and settlers’ attacks could undermine progress in Gaza.
Why is the UN resolution important for some countries?
- A UN mandate was seen as vital to legitimizing a transitional governance body and reassuring countries that were considering sending troops to Gaza.
- The text of the resolution says member states can take part in the Board of Peace envisioned as a transitional authority that would oversee reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza.
- It also authorizes the international stabilization force, which would ensure a process of demilitarizing Gaza, including by decommissioning weapons and destroying military infrastructure.
- The resolution has proved controversial in Israel because it references a future possibility of statehood for the Palestinians. The resolution’s text says that “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” once the Palestinian Authority has carried out a reform program and Gaza’s redevelopment has advanced.
Why is it important? Protection from complicity in genocide.
