US orders Israel to stop unilateral steps against Palestinians
The US Department of State has demanded that Israel refrain from taking unilateral steps that “undercut efforts to advance a negotiated two-state solution” with the Palestinians.
On whether Israel is pressuring Washington to link the resumption of US-Palestinian ties to deterring the Palestinians from turning to the International Criminal Court, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said, “We have spoken here before about our intent to provide assistance to the benefit of all Palestinians, including to Palestinian refugees.
“We are in the process of determining how to move forward with the resumption of that assistance consistent with US law, consistent with our interests.”
He clarified that unilateral steps – by Israelis and Palestinians alike – include: “annexation of territory, settlement activity, demolition, incitement to violence, and the provision of compensation for individuals in prison for acts of terrorism.”
Price added, “We continue to emphasize that it is critical to refrain from all of those activities.”
“We believe it’s critical for Israel and the Palestinian Authority to refrain from unilateral steps that exacerbate tensions and undercut efforts to advance a negotiated two-state solution,” he said.
“The ultimate status of Jerusalem is, in fact, a final status issue,” Price added.
News Agencies
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