Palestinian Cabinet Welcomes Colombia’s Decision to Recognize State of Palestine

Ramallah, MINA – The Palestinian Cabinet welcomed the decision of the Republic of Colombia to recognize the State of Palestine, expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to China for supporting UNRWA, reviewed the new draft law on the Right of Access to Information, and strongly condemned the continued Israeli military escalation against Gaza, WAFA reported.

During its weekly meeting held in Ramallah on Tuesday, the Palestinian Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Rami Al- Hamdallah, welcomed the decision of the Republic of Colombia to recognize the State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Cabinet affirmed that Colombia, through this step, proves its keenness to support the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights to self-determination and independence in accordance with the principles of the International Law and many other relevant international resolutions.

It Condemned the recent terrorist attacks in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and extended its sincere condolences to His Majesty the King, the Jordanian Government, and the Jordanian people, especially the families of the victimized security officers.

The cabinet also expressed its deep gratitude and appreciation to the Chinese Government for signing an agreement with the UNRWA to provide 2.35 million U.S. dollars’ worth of support. It urged the international donor community to help the UNRWA in overcoming its current financial crisis in order to meet its obligations towards millions of Palestinian refugees who depend on UNRWA for vital services such as education, health care, and social services.

It also Condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression and military escalation against the Gaza Strip, which raised the death toll of innocent citizens to dozens, including health- personnel and a 23 years old pregnant mother and her 18-month daughter.

The Cabinet stressed that targeting innocent civilians requires the international community to intervene immediately to end the , calling upon the international community to provide international protection for the Palestinian citizens.

It reviewed the draft law on the Right of Access to Information and hailed steps taken to draft the law in accordance with the obligations of the State of Palestine under international laws and conventions.

The Cabinet assigned the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information in coordination with the Minister of Justice to continue consultations with relevant authorities on this law and its harmonization with the media legislations in the State of Palestine to guarantee basic rights and freedoms of Palestinian citizens. (T/ RS5 / RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)