In a recent address at the meeting of the Palestinian government in Ramallah, Mohammad Shtayyeh, the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, expressed strong opposition to what he referred to as the Israeli "occupation" government's attempts to annex Area C of Judea and Samaria. Shtayyeh vowed that his government would take all necessary measures to prevent this annexation process.
Shtayyeh emphasized the significance of Area C, stating that it is an integral part of the State of Palestine's territory. He announced that his government is actively working to enhance the resilience of residents in these areas and improve infrastructure development. He added, "From the outset, we have given these areas top priority across various domains. Today, we are re-launching initiatives focused on Area C, and all government ministries will collaborate to implement them."
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During his speech, Shtayyeh also mourned the loss of Palestinian lives, particularly those who he described as martyrs killed by the Israeli occupation army and settlers. He specifically mentioned Muhammad Jabril Ramana from the al-Amari refugee camp, who was killed while participating in an attack on the Jewish settlement of Psagot. Ramana was shot after throwing Molotov cocktails, and the military arm of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed his affiliation with the organization, sharing a video of him armed with an assault rifle.
In response to Shtayyeh's remarks, leaders of the "Land of Israel" lobby, including MK Yuli Edelstein, MK Limor Son Har Melech, and MK Simcha Rothman, issued a strong statement. "Mohammed Shtayyeh's words this morning are a wake-up call to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the government ministers. The Palestinian Prime Minister openly announced this morning the intention of the Palestinian Authority and all of its bodies and offices to violate the agreements and continue to take control of Area C. If we do not wake up, we will not stop the Palestinian Authority from these actions, this will be a cry for generations."
Palestinian PM Mohammad Shtayyeh: "Area C of the West Bank is an integral part of the land of the State of Palestine." pic.twitter.com/zgg7SIMAD3
ā Khaled Abu Toameh (@KhaledAbuToameh) October 2, 2023
The leaders of the lobby emphasized that "the Jewish people have a natural, historical, and legal right to the entire Land of Israel - from the south to the north. Even Muhammad Shtayyeh will not be able to oppose this basic truth."
Area C, which comprises 60 percent of the territories of Judea and Samaria, was established as part of the Oslo Accords and is currently under the civil and security control of the State of Israel. This region is home to over half a million Jewish settlers residing in more than 150 settlement points, including unauthorized outposts. In addition, Area C is home to over two hundred thousand Palestinian residents living in more than 530 villages.
