By Edward Makuzva
Ambassador of the State of Palestine Dr. Tamer Almassri has strongly denounced Israel’s persistent and illegal confiscation of over $544 million in Palestinian tax and customs revenues.
This egregious act is a blatant infringement of international law and tantamount to financial piracy, deliberately undermining the Palestinian Authority’s ability to provide essential services, including healthcare, education, and social welfare programs.
“Israel’s systematic theft of Palestinian funds, particularly in the wake of its recent aggression against Gaza, demonstrates a callous disregard for the basic needs and human rights of the Palestinian people. By withholding these funds, Israel is effectively imposing collective punishment on the Palestinian population, exacerbating economic hardship and deepening the humanitarian crisis”, Ambassador Almassri explained.
Ambassador Almassri added that the unlawful confiscation of Palestinian funds severely impedes the Palestinian Authority’s capacity to deliver vital public services, encompassing healthcare, education, and social welfare programs, thereby jeopardizing the well-being and livelihoods of the Palestinian people.
“This destructive policy has far-reaching consequences, exacerbating the economic downturn, perpetuating poverty, and entrenching deprivation. By withholding these essential funds, Israel is effectively undermining the Palestinian economy, hindering development, and deepening the humanitarian crisis”, said Ambassador Almassri.
He said the State of Palestine calls upon the international community to demand the immediate and unconditional return of all illegally seized Palestinian funds, hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.
Meanwhile, the State of Palestine remains committed to exploring every legal and diplomatic option available to reclaim its rightful funds and put an end to Israel’s illegal occupation, which has been marked by systemic human rights abuses against the Palestinian people .