AMMAN, Nov 19 (KUNA) -- The Palestinian national council called on Tuesday members of the global community and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to condemn the Trump administration's favorable stance on Jewish settlements on occupied Palestinian lands.
The Amman-headquartered council said that the decision was against international laws and norms and is considered as a new infringement of Palestinian rights.
The council deemed the Trump administration as is a partner in the occupation of Palestine, saying that the step was against UNSC resolution 2334 and clear violation of the fourth Geneva Convention.
It called for holding accountable those in favor of the decision, stressing that the UN should take a stance against the heinous action.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday that the Trump Administration is reversing the previous administration's approach towards Israeli settlements.
In remarks to the press, Pompeo said, "After carefully studying all sides of the legal debate, this administration agrees ... the establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the West Bank is not, per se, inconsistent with international law.
"Calling the establishment of civilian settlements inconsistent with international law has ... not advanced the cause of peace. The hard truth is that there will never be a judicial resolution to the conflict, and arguments about who is right and who is wrong as a matter of international law will not bring peace," he remarked.
He stressed, "This is a complex political problem that can only be solved by negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians," noting that the US "remains deeply committed to helping facilitate peace." (end) ab.gta