UN/WEST BANK: Organisation of the Islamic Conference Group condemns Israel over West Bank shrines

Record ID: 737809

  • Title: UN/WEST BANK: Organisation of the Islamic Conference Group condemns Israel over West Bank shrines
  • Date: 26th February 2010
  • Summary: HEBRON, WEST BANK (FEBRUARY 25, 2010) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PALESTINIANS, ISRAELIS AND FOREIGNERS MARCHING IN SOLIDARITY MARCH STUN GRENADES FIRED AT DEMONSTRATORS ISRAELI SOLDIER THROWING TEAR GAS GRENADE ISRAELI SECURITY MAN FIRING STUN GRENADE ISRAELI SECURITY SCUFFLING WITH DEMONSTRATORS, STUN GRENADE GOING OFF
  • Embargoed: 13th March 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: International Relations,Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA6FKPN2OYHCOB5WYLJF134DX87
  • Story Text: Syria's Ambassador to the United Nations, Bashar Ja'afari, speaking on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Group, launched a scathing attack on Israel on Thursday (February 25), over its decision to include two West Bank shrines in a national heritage plan.
    Israel's decision this week to include two biblical burial sites in a plan to restore 150 Jewish and Zionist heritage sites sparked violent Palestinian protests, and the U.S. State Department called the move "provocative".
    "The OIC (Organisation of the Islamic Conference) Group condemned this Israeli irresponsible, aggressive and provocative decision and held the Israeli Government responsible for the repercussions, outcomes and results of this irresponsible act," Ja'afari told reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
    "The OIC considered this Israeli decision as violating Israel's obligations under international law, under international humanitarian law, as well as General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. The OIC decided to call on the Security Council, the General Assembly, as well as the Secretary-General to shoulder their responsibilities, to uphold their responsibilities, in coping with this very serious situation prevailing in the Occupied Palestinian territories," Ja'afair added.
    Violence erupted in Hebron earlier in the day when Palestinians clashed with Israeli security forces over the Jewish state's intention to include the two West Bank shrines in a national heritage plan.
    Ja'afari told reporters the decision undermined what was left of the peace process, and was designed to divert public attention away from the recent assassination of Hamas military commander Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai. Dubai police have said they believe the Hamas official was killed in an Israeli hit.
    "Namely speaking, we think that and the OIC that this Israeli unilateral aggressive, irresponsible decision aims at deviating the public attention, public opinion, attention, from the assassination in Dubai of the Palestinian official as well as undermining all remaining chances of the peace process," Ja'afair said.
    Dubai has accused Israel of being behind the assassination, but the Israeli foreign minister has said there was no proof his country carried out the killing.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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