Ramallah, 17-05-07: Minister of Information and Spokesperson of the Government Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi stressed at a press conference held today in Ramallah that all Palestinians must work together to prevent a renewed outbreak of internal fighting. He warned that a collapse of civil order in the Gaza Strip could spell the breakdown of the Palestinian Authority itself. This could lead to a total separation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and even worse, to the reversal of 40 years of struggle for an independent Palestinian leadership.
Speaking on the current ceasefire that he helped broker with joint efforts from the President, Prime Minister and Hamas Political Bureau Chief Khaled Mashal, Dr. Barghouthi said that in order for the ceasefire to hold, a series of immediate and longer-term conditions were necessary. Firstly, that all parties continue to work together in the way that they did to bring the ceasefire about; secondly, that both main factions pull their gunmen off the streets of Gaza and work towards establishing a joint security leadership free of political affiliations; and thirdly, that the international community end the political and economic siege on the Palestinian government and its people.
On the second point, Dr. Barghouthi revealed that a joint command centre is being established for all security apparatuses under the leadership of the Prime Minister as acting Interior Minister.
He added that the Ministry of Information will launch a campaign to raise awareness on the importance of adhering to non-violent, democratic means in resolving conflicts, respecting the rule of law and refraining from inflammatory rhetoric.
In this context, Dr. Barghouthi called on the media to take a responsible stance towards coverage of recent internal fighting in Gaza, to play a constructive role in collective efforts to renew civil peace and not to be co-opted in attempts to fuel factional violence.
Dr. Barghouthi pointed out that the infighting has already caused much harm to the Palestinian cause, distracting the world’s attention from several worrying developments. He reported that for the first time in 6 months, Israel has deployed tanks in the northern Gaza Strip in possible preparation to escalate its ground and air offensive in the Strip. He also cited the closure of Jerusalem’s Old City by Israeli police yesterday in order to allow a parade staged by thousands of Israeli settlers celebrating the illegal annexation of Jerusalem.
While all efforts are being made to hold the ceasefire Israel has taken advantage of the internal conflict, launching 6 new attacks on Gaza City killing 3 Palestinians and injuring 54, adding a new layer of violence to the already volatile situation. Dr. Barghouthi added this proves once more that Palestinians have no Israeli partner for peace, referring to Israel’s lack of constructive response to the Palestinian National Unity Government’s recent call for a complete, mutual reciprocal ceasefire, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The Minister urged the international community to take immediate steps to prevent Israel from escalating the situation.
On the occasion of Alan Johnston’s birthday, Dr. Barghouthi ended by reiterating calls for the immediate release of the kidnapped BBC journalist.