Tirawi: More Israeli oppression
Photo: AFP
Fatah official: Israel confiscated VIP IDs
Tawfik Tirawi says Fatah members had special IDs removed due to participation in anti-fence protests
A senior Fatah official claimed Friday that Israel had confiscated VIP IDs it distributed to half of the members of the organization's central committee, explaining that they had participated in anti-fence protests in the West Bank.
Israel did not confirm the accusation, and said it would be investigated.
Tawfik Tirawi, the former head of the Palestinian Authority's general intelligence service in the West Bank, said at a Fatah convention in Bethlehem that those whose IDs were not confiscated planned to tear them up at a special press conference entitled "The Continuing Israeli Oppression".
"We will not allow these documents to become a secret weapon and means to put pressure on the new Fatah leadership, which supports resistance to the occupation and stands beside the Palestinian people," Tirawi said.
"The movement's leadership and all of its wings support residents everywhere against the oppressive moves made by Israel."
The Fatah official added that a government decision to include the Cave of the Patriarchs and Rachel's Tomb in a new heritage plan was a dangerous move. He said peace talks were stalemated due to Israel's refusal to freeze West Bank settlement, while the Palestinians have fulfilled their obligations.
