Israel lists Palestinian Martyrs Fund as ‘terror body’

Rasa - Israel has listed the fund supporting the families of the Palestinians killed by the regime’s forces as a “terrorist organization” subject to losing its assets.

News ID: 428238

Date: 17 March 2017 - 21:37

RNA - The Thursday move targeted the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)’s main financial body, called the Palestinian National Fund, which is based in Jordan.

The body, also known as Martyrs Fund, remits stipends to some 35,000 families.

Those include the innumerable survivors of the Palestinians shot and killed by Israeli forces after alleged stabbing attacks.

Detailing the move, however, Israeli Minister for Military Affairs Avigdor Lieberman claimed the decision “to declare the fund a terrorist organization stems from its continuing and ongoing activity in providing massive support for elements responsible for committing severe acts of terrorism against Israel.”

“As of today, all necessary actions will be taken in Israel and overseas in order to seize and confiscate property and assets designated for, or belonging to, the fund,” he added.

Palestinian Authority’s President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the move. He said it was a “fundamental violation” of interim agreements signed between the PLO and Israel two decades ago, calling on “all countries of the world to reject this declaration to preserve the agreement.”

The blacklisting came after the US chief negotiator wrapped up a regional visit, featuring meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian officials.

Jason Greenblatt used to advise the Trump Organization conglomerate on the affairs concerning Israel before being appointed by him as Special Representative for International Negotiations. During his visit, he reportedly tried “to revive” talks between the two sides.

The fund has been functioning since 1967. The year saw Israel occupying whole Palestinian territories, touching off widespread Palestinian protests.

The protests have witnessed high points known as intifadas (Uprisings), which has seen thousands of Palestinians being killed due to stiff Israeli crackdown.

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