WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)– Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee and the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, on Thursday, June 25, issued the following statement on the decision of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to initiate charges against Israel at the International Criminal Court.
“Today’s misguided action by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the International Criminal Court further erodes the prospect of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and affects U.S. assistance.
“By formally submitting allegations against Israeli forces to the ICC Chief Prosecutor, President Abbas has triggered a provision in U.S. law that suspends all economic assistance to the PA.
“This bipartisan provision was written to prevent U.S. tax dollars from rewarding purposefully provocative, unilateral steps that move us further away from the negotiating table.
“Not only do President’s Abbas’ actions indicate his abandonment of a two-state agreement, they reveal his willingness to try to discredit Israel in the international community at the expense of the economic and humanitarian wellbeing of the Palestinian people.
“This incendiary move is deeply disappointing. President Abbas should reverse course and take constructive steps toward peace.”
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