Skip to main content

PLO Chief Negotiator demonizes Israel, calls for release of all Palestinian prisoners

Headline: "On the 30th anniversary of the declaration of independence, demands to realize the independence of Palestine and emphasis of the importance of achieving unity"
     "Secretary of the PLO Executive Committee [and Fatah Central Committee member] Saeb Erekat… said: 'Despite the silence of the international community and its failure in deterring the occupation force and the support of [US President Donald] Trump's administration in strengthening the colonialist occupation, the annexation, the apartheid, and the elimination of the Palestinian cause, the democratic and state of law Palestine, the institutions, and the human rights, Palestine has fulfilled its international responsibilities and obligations and is still waiting for the world to fulfill its political, legal, and ethical obligation towards it and its citizens. This is by translating the declaration of independence into a tangible reality by realizing it in the territory of the State of Palestine whose capital is occupied East Jerusalem in the June 4, 1967 borders; finding a fair solution to the refugee problem according to UN Resolution 194 (see note below –Ed.); the immediate release of all of the prisoners; and forcing Israel to recognize its legal, political, and moral responsibility for the historic injustice that it has committed against another people.'"

Saeb Erekat also holds the role of PLO Chief Negotiator.

UN Resolution 194 (Chapter 11, Dec. 11, 1948) states that "the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return." Palestinian leaders argue this means that all Arabs who left Israel during the war (hundreds of thousands) and their descendants (a few million) have a "right of return" to Israel. Israel argues that the resolution only calls for a limited return and only under certain conditions, especially focusing on the words "wishing to return... and live at peace with their neighbors."

RelatedView all ❯