Palestinian Prime Minister, Dr. Salaam Fayyad, demanded Israel to release all tax and revenue money it decided to withhold following the signing of the Palestinian unity deal in Cairo.His statements came during a meeting with European officials in the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
He said that Israel must release the money it decided to withhold, and added that the P.A. needs this money in order to be able to function and perform its duties.
Dr. Fayyad called on the European officials to pressure Israel into releasing more than $100 million of monthly revenues Tel Aviv collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority as Israel controls all borders in the West Bank.
The measure was taken by Israel in an attempt to sabotage the unity agreement between Fateh and Hamas, and the efforts to declare a unity government that includes all factions.
The Palestinian Prime Minister stated that he hopes international pressure will be practiced on Israel so that the P.A can function properly and meet its obligation.
He said that the International Community must ensure that Israel releases the money and refrains from similar actions in the future.
The Prime Minister concluded by stating that the Palestinians will maintain their unity despite Israeli pressures and violations.
