Arab League slams Israel for withholding Palestinian tax revenues

CAIRO, Jan 9 (KUNA) — The Arab League on Friday lambasted Israel for retaining the Palestinian tax revenues, terming the move as “theft and collective punishment” of the Palestinian people.

In a press statement today, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Affairs Mohammad Subeih stressed the necessity of an international stance against the Israeli step, referring to it as “tampering with international laws and conventions.” Meanwhile, the Follow-up Committee of the Arab Peace Initiative is due to hold a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday, to be chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Abbas will brief the meeting on the latest developments of the Palestinian cause, following the rejection by the UNSC of a draft resolution that sought an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Participants will also discuss prospects of the future Palestinian moves, and means of supporting them, he said. (end) mfm.aff.msa