US Jewish leaders expressed deep concern over the comments of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in which he commended those who attacked Israel – from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza – as well as those who participated in violent demonstrations, saying that “their blood was not spilled in vain” and that “they died for the Palestinian people’s rights and freedom.”
Alan Solow and Malcolm Hoenlein , respectively Chairman, and Executive Vice Chairman, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said that President Abbas “is encouraging these dangerous and life-threatening actions. These are not the words of someone committed to a peaceful resolution through negotiations.”
“ He once again has demonstrated that he seeks to achieve Palestinian statehood through unilateral and unacceptable means,” they added.”
“In a speech to thousands of Muslim worshippers on Sunday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh called for ‘an end to the Zionist project in Palestine’ [Israel], underscoring that Hamas has not changed its stance and position calling for the destruction of the state of Israel.
“These statements underscore the need for clear declarations by the United States, European countries and others that they will not provide assistance to a Palestinian Authority that encourages or approves violence, refuses to negotiate and does not live up to its commitments in previous agreements,” the Conference’s leaders said.