The Israeli military continued its violent repression today of peaceful demonstrations against construction of the Apartheid Wall on the lands of Ni’lin village.

The announcement by the Israeli government yesterday of plans to build a further 1,300 settlement units in the Ramat Shlomo settlement in occupied East Jerusalem, is "a further reflection of the Israeli government's strategy to de facto annex the city before a final status agreement can be reached," said PNI Secretary General Mustafa Barghouthi MP today.

The Israeli military stepped up its use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and health workers at a non-violent demonstration against construction of the Apartheid Wall in Ni'lin village today.

"How can the Israeli government claim a genuine commitment to ceasefire talks when its military continues to kill Gazans – including children – on a daily basis, and while Israeli leaders continue to make preparations for a wide scale attack on the Strip?" said PNI Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi today.

Chairman of Palestinian National Initiative and deputy in the Legislative Council, Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi said on Monday that President Mahmoud Abbas needs to stop negotiations and not resign from office.