Israel must end its occupation of the West Bank, caretaker Prime minister Salam Fayyad said on Tuesday.
Fayyad added that Israel must stop building settlements on Palestinian land, especially in Jerusalem, and must stop invading Palestinian-held territory and closing Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem.
He was speaking in the West Bank town of Beit Sahour, at the opening ceremony of a “heritage handcrafts village” at the YMCA.
“This project is of a special taste because it reflects the greatness and skillfulness of the Palestinian people which enhances their steadfastness,” he said of the project.
The project was implemented by the Palestinian Development Foundation in association with the YMCA. Minister of Tourism Khuloud Deibis attended the opening ceremony along with the governor of Bethlehem Abdul-Fattah Hamayil, the mayor of Beit Sahour Hani Al-Hayik, and representatives of the Palestinian Development Foundation.
“This event will provide more job opportunities and allure large numbers of tourists. Thus, we must take advantage of our religious heritage to attract larger numbers of pilgrims. This village should become a new touristic and political resource as tourists are like ambassadors to the world, and can recruit more support to the Palestinian cause.” he added.
Fayyad applauded Palestinian security services for the role they play in changing the security situation, especially in Bethlehem which draws tourists from throughout the world.
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