President Abbas: The ‘Deal of the Century’ is Categorically Rejected
The Palestinian Cabinet renews its rejection of the so-called 'Deal of the Century’, announces upholding the stance of President Mahmoud Abbas in rejecting the deal, declares preventing the entry of a group of Israeli products into the Palestinian markets in response to the latest similar Israeli decision.
During his opening statement at the weekly Cabinet meeting, held in Ramallah today, H. E. President Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the State of Palestine, in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh, briefed the Palestinian Government on the latest developments of the current political situation, especially his categorical rejection of the so-called 'Deal of the Century’. “The so-called 'Deal of the Century’ is categorically rejected and has no place at the negotiating table,” President Abbas stated.
“We will undoubtedly halt the security coordination if Israel implements 'The Deal of the Century’. We will not back down from our position unless the US and Israel retract their plan. Either we take our full rights in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, or Israel assumes its full responsibility as an occupying power,” President Abbas added.
Additionally, Mr. President reaffirmed his rejection to have the US as the sole mediator of the peace process. “Since the 1993 Oslo Accords until this moment, the US has given us nothing. We will only accept negotiations that are based on international legitimacy,” President Abbas told.
Furthermore, President Abbas stressed that the Palestinian leadership will continue its measures to confront the 'Deal of the Century’. “We will present our vision to the Security Council, and we will renew our rejection of this deal because it detracts from Palestinian rights, and denies the agreements and resolutions of the international legitimacy,” President Abbas affirmed.
In addition to that, Mr. President responded to those who believe that 'The Deal of the Century’ constitutes an opportunity stating that, “There is no one positive thing about 'The Deal of the Century’. No one could accept this plan for a population of 13 million people. There is no real opportunity in it. What opportunity is this that give us 11% of our land?”
Moreover, President Abbas called on the Palestinian Government to continue working on the same pace in providing services to the Palestinian citizens, especially in health and education sectors. Besides, Mr. President praised the stance of the Arab World on the 'Deal of the Century’. “Our Arab brothers stood with us in unity, and took a unanimous decision on the draft resolution that we submitted, without any amendments,” Mr. President concluded.
In his turn, Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh affirmed that the Government stands behind the position of President Abbas in rejecting 'The Deal of The Century’, defending our lands and sanctities, and attaining our right to an independent geographically sovereign state. “Such liquidation projects do not frighten us and will follow similar previous projects. Our people will thwart the plan through unity and steadfastness on their homeland,” Dr. Shtayyeh declared.
As a final matter, the Palestinian Cabinet decided to prevent the entry of Israeli vegetables, fruits, water, juices and soft drinks into Palestinian markets within the next 48 hours. This decision comes in response to the decision of the Israeli Army Minister, Naftali Bennett, to prevent the entry of Palestinian agro products into Israeli markets.
