European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Cairo, Apr 29 (RHC) The Arab Parliament on Saturday condemned statements on Israel by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for ignoring history and crimes against the Palestinian people.

The pan-Arab organization denounced in a statement that during a congratulation to Israel on the 75th anniversary of its establishment, the official avoided criticizing the violations of that country and the occupation of Palestinian lands.

In her message, von der Leyen declared that Israel has "made the desert bloom, words questioned by the Palestinians, who consider that phrase as an attempt to erase history before the creation of that country by suggesting that the area was uninhabited or neglected.

These statements violate international norms and grant a right to occupation at the expense of the cause of the Palestinian people, said the Arab Parliament, which called on the president of the European Commission to review her position.

It also urged the EU bloc to face up to its political, legal, and humanitarian responsibilities to work to "end the Israeli colonial occupation, correct the historical injustice still suffered by the Palestinian people and support their legitimate rights." (Source: PL)