Erekat: Israel has declared death of 2-state solution

Member of the PLO Executive Committee Saeb Erekat Monday said in a statement issued by his office that the Government of Israel has officially declared the death of the two-state solution. “Within the past few days, several high-ranking Israeli officials, from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Religious Affairs, have made clear statements regarding their position to actively work against the internationally endorsed two-state solution on the 1967 border,” said Erekat, who is also chief Palestinian negotiator. “These are not isolated events but a reaffirmation of political platforms and radical beliefs. Israel has officially declared the death of the two-state solution,” he added. “Such statements are matched by policies that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing on the ground, including aggressive settlement activity, home demolitions, evictions and revocations of residency right. This is part of Israel’s plan to destroy any possibility for a Palestinian state, by annexing and changing the status quo of Jerusalem, the Jordan Valley and other vast areas of the Occupied State of Palestine.” Erekat continued: “The Israeli government is determined to make Kerry’s efforts fail. Netanyahu’s empty calls for negotiations are exposed on the ground by Israel’s destructive policies. The Israeli government is prepared to wage a public relations campaign, but it is not serious about peace. For the Israeli government plans to consolidate its occupation and negate Palestinian rights, Kerry’s efforts are an obstacle rather than an opportunity.” He concluded by impressing upon the international community that “Israeli statements and actions are consistent and clear: Israel is declaring the end of the two-state solution. The international community’s reaction should not be a call to ‘resume negotiations;’ it should be clear action in order to push Israel to implement previous agreements and adhere to international law. There is a new urgency to face reality and finally hold Israel accountable for destroying the prospects of justice and peace.” During the first quarter of 2013, the Israeli government increased settlement construction by 335% compared to the last quarter of 2012.