In his latest attack against Israel, PA (Palestinian Authority) leader Abu Mazen accuses Israel of destroying the environment. He told the UN General Assembly which convened on Friday, erev Pesach, during which time the Paris Agreement was signed. Abu Mazen used the forum to accuse Israel and “the settlements of destroying the climate in Palestine”. He called on the General Assembly to “help bring an end to the occupation”.

Abu Mazen preferred to use the international forum to once again enlist the international community in his battle against Israel.

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon was quick to condemn the PA, explaining that instead of spreading hate, the PA leader should concentrate on halting PA terror.

“This climate summit is supposed to be a demonstration of global unity for the sake of the future of our planet,” he added. “Unfortunately, President Abbas chose to exploit this international stage to mislead the international community.”

In a related matter, the PA’s participation in the event was significant since it signals the UN views the PA as a nation and it was the first time it was permitted to take part in a treaty signing ceremony. In 2012 the UN granted the PA nonmember observer status.

However, it is pointed out that the participation of the PA will place the US in a bind since there is a law that bars funding “any organization or group that does not have the internationally recognized attributes of statehood.” In fact, 21 Republican Senators have sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry stating this prohibits American participation in funding the global climate fund.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)