Palestinian Officials Denounce US Congressional Hearing on Support for Violence
Palestinian officials in Ramallah have criticized a recent US congressional hearing that accused the Palestinian Authority (PA) of supporting violence against Israelis in the occupied West Bank. The hearing, organized by the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, focused on the implementation of the Taylor Force Act, a 2018 law that prohibits US financial aid to the PA due to its alleged support for terrorism.
Bias and Exclusion
Palestinian officials expressed their disappointment with the hearing, stating that only supporters of Israel were invited to attend. They argued that the organizers failed to invite them to present their views, revealing a bias in favor of Israel and anti-Palestinian sentiments among some members of Congress. The hearing was led by Joe Wilson, a Republican member of the House of Representatives who chairs the subcommittee. Wilson accused the Palestinian government of operating a “pay to slay” system, where palestinians are rewarded for killing Israelis. Palestinian officials vehemently denied this allegation.
Misleading Claims
During the hearing, pro-Israel individuals and representatives of right-wing US organizations accused the PA of participating in a system that “honors and rewards terrorists.” They called on President Joe Biden to halt financial aid to Palestinians. Palestinian officials dismissed these claims as “totally untrue” and “misleading.” Qaddura Fares, the Palestinian minister of detainees’ affairs, emphasized that the welfare-payment system to families of people killed or imprisoned by Israel operates in accordance with Palestinian law. The government is obligated to provide financial support to families who lose their breadwinners due to Israel’s actions as an occupying state.
Lack of Balance and Fairness
Palestinian officials criticized the hearing for being one-sided and misleading. They argued that Palestinians should have been invited to present their side of the story or at least consulted. Wasel Abu Yousef, a senior Palestine Liberation Organization official, accused successive US administrations and Congress of covering up israeli crimes against the Palestinian people instead of supporting peace and security for both sides. He emphasized the importance of financial and moral support for the families of martyrs and detainees, stating that it cannot be neglected or bypassed by any Palestinian official.
Israeli Actions and Palestinian Prisoners
According to Abu Yousef, 260 Palestinians have died as a result of Israeli actions so far this year, and about 220 were killed last year. Fares highlighted the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, stating that there are approximately 5,200 Palestinian prisoners, including 1,200 administrative detainees held without charge or trial, and 170 children under the age of 18. Fares also pointed out that Israeli authorities imprison thousands of Palestinians each year for nonviolent actions such as raising a Palestinian flag or participating in anti-occupation protests.
Seeking an End to Support
Jibril Rajoub, a senior Fatah official, stated that support for the families of martyrs and detainees will only end when the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land ends. He criticized some members of the US Congress for prioritizing the continuation of Israeli occupation over an equitable peace between the two peoples. Rajoub emphasized that this issue is crucial for the Palestinian people as it touches the core of their existence and their struggle to free their country from Israeli occupation.
In conclusion, Palestinian officials have denounced the recent US congressional hearing on support for violence, accusing it of being biased and exclusionary. They argue that the allegations made against the PA are misleading and unfair. Palestinian officials emphasize the importance of financial and moral support for the families of martyrs and detainees, highlighting the impact of Israeli actions on Palestinian lives. They call for a balanced and fair approach to addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on ending the occupation and achieving a just peace between the two peoples.