Fatah: Israeli settlements undermine peace process

The Central Committee of Palestinian Fatah Movement lambasted the illegal Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories, warning that these practices risk undermining any chance for a peace agreement. In a press statement Saturday evening after a meeting attended by the Movement Leader, President Mahmoud Abbas, the committee denounced the continued illegal Israeli activities. It revealed that Israel's recent release of scores of Palestinian prisoners was in return for Palestinian Authority's postponement, for nine months, of any plan to go to the UN and other international organizations for actions against Israel. The Presidency Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudina also pointed out that President Abbas has briefed the committee on the Israeli escalating practices against Palestinians either through settlements or killing of activists. "Such crimes undermine the peace process," he said. In a similar statement, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on Thursday said that Israel's recent settlement expansion plans are proof that it is not a partner for peace. It urged the international community to hold Israel accountable by upholding international obligations. The US Secretary of State John Kerry will start Sunday a Middle East tour during which he will hold talks with President Abbas to help revive peace talks.