Palestine Condemns Israel’s Policy of Silencing International Officials

Rasa - The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as Israeli policy of silencing international officials and diplomats who criticize its policies toward the Palestinians.

News ID: 430381

Date: 16 June 2017 - 17:35

RNA - This came after the Israeli Foreign Ministry sent a letter to the United Nations demanding expulsion of UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Robert Piper, claiming he is biased against Israel due to his harsh criticism of the Israeli occupation practices, particularly after a statement he issued critical of Israel on the 50th anniversary of the occupation, WAFA reported.

The Israeli government also threatened to cancel Piper’s residency visa if he was not replaced.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also called for the dismantling of the United Nations Palestinian refugees agency, UNRWA, claiming it “eternalizes” the Palestinian refugee problem.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said Israel is going after international officials who speak out against its occupation and call for an end to it.

“What Israel is trying to impose, through its policy of silencing and intimidating anyone who dares to criticize its violations of international law, is to silence international voices that call for an end to the occupation and the cessation of its practices and crimes and the removal of the term Israeli occupation from the United Nations dictionary,” it said.

“This unethical attack will not succeed in concealing its occupation of the territory of another state and the fact that it has committed grave violations of international law and international humanitarian law, as well as its continuing defiance of international resolutions.”

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