Premier Slams Israel’s Withholding of Tax Revenues as Illegal
RAMALLAH, January 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Premier Rami Hamdallah slammed Monday Israel’s ongoing withholding of Palestinian tax revenues as illegal.
“Israel’s ongoing withholding of Palestinian tax revenues is illegal and stands in violation with international laws and norms,” said Hamdallah during a meeting with Representative of India to Palestine Mahesh Kumar at the Premier’s Office in Ramallah.
“The Palestinian leadership led by President Mahmoud Abbas is considering taking serious steps to address international institutions, requesting them to stop Israel’s policy of collective punishment against the Palestinians,” Hamdallah added.
During the meeting, Hamdallah discussed with Kumar the latest political developments and means that would enable India to step up and direct its aid for Gaza reconstruction, through focusing on the housing, infrastructure and education sectors.
Hamdallah emphasized the need to strengthen joint cooperation, especially in the fields of information technology, health and education, and thanked India for its $4 million grant to support the Palestinian government’s budget.
The Indian diplomat emphasized that his country would continue to support Palestine, particularly in terms of Gaza reconstruction, and that his country’s foreign policy on Palestine would not be affected by Indian-Israeli relations.
K.F/M.H
