Senior Palestinian negotiator: Israel’s occupation is highest form of terrorism

 

Palestinian negotiator Erekat tells Ynet reporters that Israeli occupation a major obstacle to peace an says recognition of Israel as a Jewish state contrary to ‘their’ narrative.

By Attila Somfalvi

 

Occupation is the highest form of terrorism, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told Ynet in an exclusive interview Sunday.

Senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat.

Senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat. – Photo: Daniel Bar-On

Erekat said “Israel made a mistake by suspending the negotiations” but that, despite the dead-lock in the peace process, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was still willing to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The current round of US-led negotiations broke down last week after Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement which proposed the formation of an interim unity government until elections can be held.

Responding to leading Israeli politicians’ demand that Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state, Erekat emphasized that the nature of Israel is a domestic issue for Israelis: “It’s never happened in the history of mankind that a country asked another country to define its nature. I have my own narrative and you have your own narrative.”

 


Watch: Erekat talks to Ynet (in English starting at 00:45)

On the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day, Erekat said “the Holocaust is the most evil chapter in human history. We stand tall as Palestinians to condemn it, now and forever.”

 

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4513547,00.html