OneVoice Condemns announcement of 1,400 settlement units by Israeli Housing Ministry

NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The OneVoice Movement condemns the Israeli Housing Ministry's announcement today of 1,400 settlement units, which are illegal and run counter to the Israeli government's stated support for the two-state solution. In response to this development, Laura Talinovsky, executive director of OneVoice Israel, and Samer Makhlouf, executive director of OneVoice Palestine, issued the following statements:

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Statement by Laura Talinovsky:

"The recent announcement by Israel that it will issue tenders for 1,400 new housing units beyond the Green Line is unacceptable," said Talinovsky. "These actions are indicative of a Prime Minister who has confused his country's best interests with those of some radical members of his coalition. Such inflammatory steps gravely damage our country's credibility, further isolate us internationally, and endanger the fragile efforts toward a peace agreement that is vital for Israel's future. Despite Prime Minister Netanyahu's repeated claims of a commitment to negotiations, actions like these indicate that he is in fact willing to hold the negotiations hostage to a right-wing minority rather than be a partner in ending the conflict."

Statement by Samer Makhlouf:

"Today's announcement by the Israeli government to build more settlements damages the prospects for lasting peace and an end to the conflict," said Makhlouf. "Settlements are illegal under international law and by their very nature endanger the goal of two states--a goal that is shared by the majority of Israelis and Palestinians. OneVoice Palestine will never waiver in its commitment to the Palestinian national principles as we strive to establish a fully sovereign independent state based on the 1967 borders, and we must not let actions like this diminish the efforts of those who are working to end the occupation and the conflict."

About OneVoice:

OneVoice is an international grassroots movement that amplifies the voice of mainstream Israelis and Palestinians, empowering them to propel their elected representatives toward the two-state solution. The Movement works to forge consensus for conflict resolution and build a human infrastructure capable of mobilizing the people toward a negotiated, comprehensive and permanent agreement between Israel and Palestine that ends the occupation, ensures security and peace for both sides, and solves all final-status issues in accordance with international law and previous bilateral agreements. The 1967 borders form the basis for the establishment of an independent, viable Palestinian state, with permanent borders and any modifications to be agreed upon by both parties. The Movement recognizes that violence by either side will never be a means to end the conflict.

You can follow OneVoice on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

SOURCE The OneVoice Movement

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