Palestinian Premier : Israeli Government Has Drifted Further Towards Extremism and Racism

Ramallah, 16 Sya’ban 1437/25 May 2016 (MINA) – Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah during a meeting with his French counterpart in Ramallah ahead of a preparatory meeting for an international peace conference, maintained that the Israeli government has drifted further towards extremism and racism, Tuesday said a press release issued by Premier’s office.

Prime Minister Hamdallah briefed his French counterpart on the systematic expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, the unlawful killings of Palestinian civilians – including children – the detention of thousands of Palestinians, and the suffocating siege on Gaza, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting WAFA.

“[Israel’s] leaders incite and spew hatred against our people while expropriating our land and natural resources, and expanding illegal settlements.”

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Hamdallah further thanked France for its continued support for the Palestinian people, as he welcomed French Prime Minister Manuel Valls in his office.

“We highly appreciate the French efforts to launch an international peace conference in order to put an end to the brutal Israeli occupation ,” Hamdallah said.

“We value France’s continued support for the Palestinian people, both on the economic and political level, as well as in providing expertise to help build our future Palestinian state.”

Meanwhile, French Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, reiterated his government’s opposition to Israel’s settlement policy, “the expansion of the settlements weakens the prospect of the creation of a viable Palestinian state.”

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Valls reaffirmed his country’s support for Palestine, stating that, “Palestine can count on the support of France. Today, we have strengthened our cooperation, which was already strong, and we sincerely hope that this cooperation continues to develop.”

The French Prime Minister arrived on Saturday on an official visit to meet with both Palestinian and Israeli officials ahead of a preparatory meeting for an international peace conference.

During Valls’ visit, French and Palestinian representatives signed three financial agreements, providing support for several projects in Palestine, including wastewater management in Hebron. T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)