2024-05-04 Time: 16:50:44 (Jerusalem)
The PLO Department of Economic Affairs condemns Israeli plans to develop solar power in occupied Palestine:
“Continued violation of International law and an attempt to Greenwash illegal settlements and the occupation.”
Ramallah, 06/09/2023 -The PLO Department of Economic Affairs condemns the Israeli plans to develop solar power in the occupied Palestinian territories. This plan is a continuation of Israeli violations of international law and a greenwashing attempt to legitimize the occupation and apartheid policies.
The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the occupying power from transferring its own civilian population into the occupied territory. The settlements are also a major obstacle to peace, as they fragment the Palestinian territory and impede the materialization of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination in an independent state.
The rules of international law also prohibit the occupying power from exploiting the natural resources of the occupied territory for its own benefit. The Israeli-planned solar power projects in the West Bank would see the development of 1.2 GW of power to the economic benefit of illegal Israeli settlements. Furthermore, it would impede Palestinian development efforts by dispossessing Palestinians from developing their land and resources, and in particular, their plans to scale up renewable energy to address chronic Palestinian electricity shortages.
We condemn and reject such plans, and call for their immediate termination, and to enable Palestinian economic development and the generation of clean energy. We also call on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and take a firm stand on Israeli greenwashing attempts.
