The new government is filing suit against the Israeli government and its supporters for violations of international law.
The new Justice Minister, Dr. Ali Al Sartawi, made his announcement during a northern West Bank meeting to commemorate both the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad and the formation of the unity government. He said that the prosecution will include corporations and individuals, anyone who provides aid to Israel in the commission of violations.
The unity government is enlisting the assistance of the Arab League in forming an international committee of experts in international humanitarian and criminal law. Dr. Al Sartawi said, ‘The new government will sue Israel for wrongful practices and violations against the Palestinian people.’
For the occasion of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad and the formation of the unity government, several ministers gathered in Nablus yesterday evening. Among them were the Minister of Education, Dr. Nasser Addin Al Sha‘er, Information Minister Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, and Dr. Samir Abu Eisha, the Minister of Planning. A large number of members of the Legislative Council, national and Islamic legal professionals, and representatives of doctors, engineers, pharmacists and lawyers associations also attended.
Dr. Barghouthi said that the unity government is not weak on national rights in the face of occupation as some have accused, but rather has fought seriously against injustice, such as the imposition of a provisional state. He said that the unity in the government is what is important. Dr. Barghouthi stressed that while in Europe he called on officials to ‘stop the unacceptable distinction between ministers and deputies based on party. We are all one government and one team.’
Dr. Al Sartawi pointed out that the ‘unity government has drawn up a program that serves Palestinian interests in light of the surrounding conspiracies in the face of the Israeli war machine.’ He said that the government would soon begin the legal battle for the prosecution of Israel in an international forum.
Many lawsuits have been filed over the years in courts throughout the international community against individuals, such as former Prime Minister Sharon, for war crimes and other charges, and the entire government for violations such as the Wall.