EU slams Israel for withholding tax revenues of Palestinians

BRUSSELS, March 6 (KUNA) — The EU warned Friday that the continued withholding of Palestinian revenues by Israel could be highly detrimental to the stability and security of the region.
“This decision runs counter to Israel’s obligations under the Paris Protocol of the Oslo Agreement. It should be recalled that these tax revenues do not belong to Israel but to Palestine,” an EU spokesperson for foreign affairs told journalists.

Speaking on condition of anonymity the spokesperson stressed that the 28-member bloc is committed to continue supporting the Palestinian Authority as it is a key actor in the peace process and the cornerstone of a future Palestinian State. “Moreover, the international community cannot be called upon to relieve Israel of its own legal and political responsibilities vis-a-vis the Palestinian population as the occupying power in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” noted the spokesperson.
The EU has engaged in senior-level contacts with Israeli counterparts to convey these messages. The EU will continue to promote and support all efforts to achieve a lasting peace based on a two-state solution and calls upon the parties to avoid any decision that increases tensions on the ground and undermines trust, added the EU spokesperson. (end) nk.hm