Ramallah, 28-12-08: Mustafa Barghouthi, the Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative stated today that “the world should never forget that Israel has started the war and the aggression and has violated the truce.
He pointed out the urgent need to return to a negotiated cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
Yet, even though Palestinians along with the Europeans mediators have been calling for a renewed ceasefire, it is now Israel who refuses to re-enter talks and insist on continuing the war.
Israel has recently rejected all the mediation and proposals for truce, from both the Europeans and the French officials.
“We believe they are not intent on securing peace as they claim; but rather seeking a regime change in the Strip, whatever the cost”, said the Deputy.
Furthermore, it is important to point out that Israel has started provoking the Palestinians two months ago by conducting attacks on Gaza and has met none of its obligations under the agreement, and instead maintained the siege throughout and carried out a number of military incursions.
The Deputy also warns on the disaster that a Israeli ground military operation would cause for the residents of the tiny besieged Strip. “It would result in a tragic loss of life on both the Israeli and Palestinian side and harshly compromise the establishment of a truce. It would involve the use of overwhelming force in an urban environment that counts among the most densely populated space on the planet”, he said.
We, as Palestinians, are also saddened that the recent bloodbath has been used by Israel for electoral purposes. It is likely now that the latest air assault on Gaza, and its victims, had an electioneering purpose, in regards of the coming Israeli elections.
Mustafa Barghouthi also emphasized on the responsibility of the International Community in the continuing of the violence escalation. “The World is now responsible for stopping the Israeli aggressions, the current massacre and put a final end now to escalation of violence.”
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