[Peace-discuss] Faith Forum on Middle East Peace: Don't punish Palestinians for signing treaties

Tue Jan 13 14:58:00 EST 2015

JFP's alert is here:

Rand Paul: Accept Palestinians’ Right to Join the ICC
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/rand-paul-accept-palestinian?source=c.em&r_by=1135580

Code Pink's alert is here:

Rand Paul: Accept Palestinians' Right to Join the ICC
http://codepink.salsalabs.com/o/424/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=7244

I wrote about this here:

Rand Paul: Kicking Palestinians Is a Freebie
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-naiman/rand-paul-palestine-icc_b_6445974.html

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*Faith Forum on Middle East Peace*

*January 2015*

*Tell your elected officials:  Don't punish the Palestinians for signing
international treaties and conventions, including the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court*

Following the defeat of a UN Security Council resolution that would have
set parameters and a timeline for addressing the Israeli-Palestinian
impasse, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas signed a number of
international treaties and conventions including the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court (ICC), paving the way for Palestine to join
the ICC.   Palestine’s membership in the ICC is scheduled to take effect on
April 1, 2015 if everything proceeds according to protocol.

Israel responded by freezing $127.6 million in tax revenues it collects on
behalf of the Palestinians, and an Israeli official reportedly
<http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.635144> indicated
this “is only a first step in response to the Palestinian moves at the
United Nations.”   In a January 5, 2015 press briefing the US State
Department expressed opposition
<http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2015/01/235595.htm#MIDDLEEASTPEACE> to
the freeze in funds, calling it an action that raised tensions.   At the
same time, the State Department spokesperson called the Palestinian move to
join the ICC “counterproductive,” saying, “we’re deeply troubled by the
Palestinian action regarding the ICC.”

Current US legislation does not require a halt to US aid to the
Palestinians for signing treaties, including the Rome Treaty, but it would
require a cut off of aid if the ICC undertakes an investigation of Israeli
actions at the behest of the Palestinians or with their support.

Some in Congress are calling for immediate punitive measures.  Senator Rand
Paul introduced a bill <http://www.paul.senate.gov/?p=sponsored_legislation>
that would stop US aid to the Palestinian Authority until the Palestinians
withdraw their ICC bid, and Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen issued a statement
<http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/all-us-funds-palestinian-authority-must-be-immediately-suspended-after-pa-signs-rome>
saying in part, “Congress must do everything in its power to block funds to
the PA and to any UN entity that recognizes a non-existent State of
Palestine to make it clear to Abu Mazen that there will be consequences to
his schemes at the United Nations and other international organizations
like the International Criminal Court.”

Rather than punish the Palestinians for moves to sign treaties and
conventions, including those leading to Palestinian membership in the ICC,
the US should support such non-violent means of pursuing justice.   It also
should be recognized that in joining the ICC, the door will be open to
investigations of both Israeli and Palestinian actions.

*Call on Congress and the president to:*

·      *Refrain from punishing the Palestinians for joining international
treaties and conventions and placing themselves and the conflict under the
scrutiny of international law*

·      *Urge Israel to release tax revenues belonging to the Palestinians *

Sample letter:

Dear _________________,

After the defeat of a UN Security Council resolution that would have set
parameters and a timeline for addressing the Israeli-Palestinian impasse,
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas signed a number of international
treaties and conventions including the Rome Statute of the International
Criminal Court (ICC), paving the way for Palestine to join the ICC.

The government of Israel responded by freezing $127.6 million in tax
revenues belonging to the Palestinians.  I agree with the US Department of
State in opposing this action by the government of Israel.

I am also aware that there is movement in Congress to consider punishing
the Palestinians by cutting off US aid.

Rather than punish the Palestinians for moves to sign treaties and
conventions, including those leading to Palestinian membership in the ICC,
the US should support such non-violent means of pursuing justice.   It also
should be recognized that in joining the ICC, the door will be open to
investigations of both Israeli and Palestinian actions.

I therefore ask you to:

·       Refrain from punishing the Palestinians for joining international
treaties and conventions and placing themselves and the conflict under the
scrutiny of international law

·       Urge Israel to release tax revenues belonging to the Palestinians

Thank you for your consideration.  I look forward to hearing from you.

With appreciation for your service,
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