Abul Gheit urges int'l probe into Israeli crimes against Palestinians

CAIRO - 21 July 2018: Arab League (AL) Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit on Saturday called for launching an international probe into crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against Palestinians.

This came during a speech delivered by AL Assistant Secretary General for Arab and Palestinian Affairs Saeed Abu Ali on behalf of Abul Gheit during the 28th extraordinary session of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU), which is hosted by Egypt's House of Representatives.

"The Palestinian Cause is passing through an exceptional situation in light of US administration's decisions that are meant to liquidate the cause, including the recognition of Al Quds as the capital of the occupation and targeting the UN Palestinian refugees agency (UNRWA), the AL chief said.

"We are gathering today while harsh circumstance are wreaking havoc with the Palestinian cause," Ambassador Abu Ali said on behalf of Abul Gheit.

As it targets the UNRWA, the US suspended most of its share in the budget of the UN Palestinian refugees agency, causing a 446-million-dollar deficit, the AL chief said.

"US bias in favor of Israel emboldened it to continue its assault and put into effect its scheme that seeks usurping Al Quds city and eventually Judaizing it," he added.

Abul Gheit further warned of the recently-approved Jewish Nation-State law, saying it enshrines racism and ethnic cleansing, adding "The Arab League rushed to confronting the US decision moving its embassy to Jerusalem through adopting resolutions that underline support for the steadfastness of Palestinians,".

"Arab League political action aimed at maintain a joint stance with the UN and its Security Council to reject the US decision, hence isolating Washington's stance regarding Al Quds city,

"Arabs assert opting for the peace solution along with having an independent Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital," he added.