Dr. Barghouthi Condemns acts of aggression in Hebron and Bethlehem

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to add two holy sites in the occupied Palestinian territories to a list of national heritage sites was met with immediate condemnation from Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative. Deploring the act as provocative and aggressive, Barghouti stated "the Israeli decision to consider Ibrahimi Mosque (in Hebron) and Rachel’s Tomb (in Bethlehem) as Israeli heritage sites is unacceptable." Dr. Barghouthi was speaking on behalf of a PNI delegation to the Ibrahimi Mosque, where confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli settlers erupted.

"Your presence here is illegal, not only in Hebron but in Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied territories," he said, arguing with Israeli settlers who were protected by Israeli forces stationed near the Ibrahimi Mosque.

At a news conference held in front of the Mosque, following the confrontations, Barghouthi said "this racist decision represents a further step of Israeli annexation policies and comes four days before the anniversary of the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre". The massacre he referred to was carried out by the Israeli extremist Baruch Goldstein in 1994, which left 29 worshipers dead and 150 injured.

"Palestinian people will support residents in Hebron and Bethlehem and we will take a stand as a whole against the Israeli decision," continued Barghouti, calling on the different parties to restore national unity. "This is a crucial moment and we must end divisions because everyone has become a target of Israeli policies".

"We have to speak to the world in the language of a non-violent struggle, combined with a campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions. We have to continue our activism, non-violently resisting Israeli oppression", added Dr Barghouthi, calling for sanctions to be imposed on Israel until it fulfils its obligations and stops international right violations.

Following the press conference, Barghouthi met with Hebron’s governor, Khalil Hussein al-Araj, as well as the Mayor Osaily and several members from the Municipality Council. They discussed the difficult conditions of Palestinian residents in Hebron, including the ongoing attacks they are suffering from the Israeli army and settlers.