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05/01/2015
Call For EU To Condemn Latest Move By Israel
The European Union (EU) is being urged to condemn the latest provocative move by Israel in withholding tax revenues due to the Palestinian Authorities.
The Israeli Government confirmed it plans to withhold at least €106m in tax revenue due to Palestine on 3 January.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade Brendan Smith said the move appears to be a response to Palestinian attempts to join the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Deputy Smith said: "The latest decision by the Israeli Government to withhold tax revenue to Palestine is an outrageous act of bullying which seeks to undermine any element of self-determination the Palestinian people are entitled to. This decision further exhibits the need to create a fully independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
"The funds which Israel has frozen are used to pay salaries and provide basic public services to the Palestinian people. Israel is acting no better than a school yard bully in withholding these funds and is undermining its own credibility in these actions.
"Europe must raise its voice against these Israeli tactics, which serve to further undermine the prospect of a peaceful agreement in the Middle East. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini must be clear in her condemnation of the withholding of the Palestinian tax revenues.
"The European Union has continually invested political capital and significant taxpayers' money to consolidate peace in Israel and Palestine. The EU must be proactive in seeking to ensure that both Israeli and Palestinian authorities act in a fair and just manner towards each other."
(CD/JP)
The Israeli Government confirmed it plans to withhold at least €106m in tax revenue due to Palestine on 3 January.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade Brendan Smith said the move appears to be a response to Palestinian attempts to join the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Deputy Smith said: "The latest decision by the Israeli Government to withhold tax revenue to Palestine is an outrageous act of bullying which seeks to undermine any element of self-determination the Palestinian people are entitled to. This decision further exhibits the need to create a fully independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
"The funds which Israel has frozen are used to pay salaries and provide basic public services to the Palestinian people. Israel is acting no better than a school yard bully in withholding these funds and is undermining its own credibility in these actions.
"Europe must raise its voice against these Israeli tactics, which serve to further undermine the prospect of a peaceful agreement in the Middle East. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini must be clear in her condemnation of the withholding of the Palestinian tax revenues.
"The European Union has continually invested political capital and significant taxpayers' money to consolidate peace in Israel and Palestine. The EU must be proactive in seeking to ensure that both Israeli and Palestinian authorities act in a fair and just manner towards each other."
(CD/JP)
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