Palestinian Embassy in Cyprus condemns Israeli Minister Smotrich

The Palestinian Embassy in Cyprus has issued a condemnation of statements made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The Embassy claims Smotrich’s remarks essentially declare war on the Palestinian people, the Palestinian National Authority, and the institutions of the Palestinian state.

According to the Embassy, Smotrich called for the repetition of actions taken in the Gaza Strip to be applied in the West Bank and advocated for the dissolution of the Palestinian national identity. The Embassy stated that these remarks constitute an incitement to further military escalation, mass displacement, destruction, and the annexation of Palestinian territories, which they argue violates international law and the UN Charter.

The Embassy has called upon the Cypriot government, political parties, and the House of Representatives to condemn these statements in the spirit of peace and the protection of civilians. Furthermore, the Embassy expressed concern over the lack of public distancing from the Israeli government regarding these remarks, suggesting an intention to engage in conflict to dissolve the Palestinian Authority. They urged the international community to reject rhetoric that fuels conflict and to support a two-state solution.