With his newly acquired observer nation status in the United Nations, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) told Arab League members meeting in Qatar on Sunday 25 Kislev 5773 that if Israel continues with E1 construction plans and freezes PA (Palestinian Authority) tax funds, he will take his case to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Abu Mazen explained to his Arab brethren that now that the PA is a nation, granted this status by the United Nations General Assembly, the door to the International Court is open to him, citing Israel’s actions are illegal and a violation of international law. The PA leader added that the unilateral Israeli actions will bring an end to the two-state vision, so he is left without another alternative, compelled to take his case to the international court.

A motion was put forward by Qatar Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Than to convene the forum of the Arab League foreign ministers to discuss the situation. Al Than added that an Arab nation peace plan that was presented a decade ago should be pushed aside and instead, the Arab League should pressure Israel by explaining the benefit of normalized relations with 57 Arab and Muslim nations is the best route.

Al Than explained normalized relations would be the response to Israel agreeing to the establishment of the State of Palestine based on the pre-June 1967 borders with its capital being eastern Yerushalayim along with the recognition of the Palestinian right of return and Israel’s recognition of the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Abu Mazen feels the peace plan cannot be taken off the table, warning such a move may lead to regional conflict for the plan clearly shows the legitimate Arab desire for peace. Abu Mazen rejected Al Than’s position, apparently determined to have his day in the International Court.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)