Abbas to European Parliament: ‘Help us end the occupation’

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas strongly criticized Israel during his Thursday address to the European Parliament in Belgium but stressed that his hands were outstretched for peace.

 

Abbas said Israel is growing more extreme, both in terms of the settlers and the IDF, which he said carries out “unlawful killings.” He also said that “this extremism has led to Israeli politicians like Herzog, Ya’alon and Barak and other members of the media to criticize the government.” He further cited their statements as indications that Israel is acting in a fascist manner.

 

Abbas, who was applauded after his address said, “the non-existence of a Palestinian state and the non-implementation of the two-state solution prolongs the conflict and produces extremism. We are against international terror, and the way to have the terror you face come to an end, you must bring an end to the Israeli occupation.”

 

He turned to the Israeli people, to the government and Israeli political parties in Israel and said, “Our hands are extended for peace and we have the will and fierce determination to achieve peace. But are your hands outstretched for peace? Are you willing to recognize the historical injustice?”

 

“We oppose any suggestion of temporary borders or an interim agreement because it’s a waste of time that doesn’t lead anywhere,” he told European lawmakers.

 

“We favor a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital, and the solution will be based on the Arab Peace Initiative that was that was approved in 2002 with no changes to it,” he added.

 

Read More: Ynetnews News – Abbas to European Parliament: ‘Help us end the occupation’