"This Israeli action evidently hurts the sentiments of the Palestinian people and will significantly hinder the creation of peace, not only in Palestine but also in the Middle East," Abbas stated while conversing with reporters in Jakarta on Saturday.
Abbas pointed to Israel's highly ambitious stance to go ahead with the construction of illegal settlements, as the deception strengthened its grasp on the occupied Palestinian territories.
He believes that the number of Israelis in the occupied area will increase in tandem with the rise in the number of new settlements.
If the international community presses on enforcing democracy in the area, he believes Israel will still be in a stronger position, as its citizens outnumber the Palestinians.
"Hence, illegal development must be thwarted, and efforts must not stop at that only. The UN Security Council must fight it out, so that those residing in the existing buildings are only Palestinians," he remarked.
Abbas believes that in the absence of this effort, peace with Israel will remain a distant dream.
"This is since Israel's actions in Palestine run counter to the principles of humanity and justice," he added.
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Eliswan Azly
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
