RAMALLAH, April 19, 2018 (WAFA) – Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Executive Committee Saeb Erekat Thursday condemned in a press statement Israel’s decision to close Elia Association for Youth Media in East Jerusalem, stressing that Israel seeks to cancel the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem, in clear violation of international law/ understandings related to the preservation of Palestinian institutions in the city.

Israel’s Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman signed an order closing Elia media center located in East Jerusalem’s main business street, designating it as a “terrorist” organization affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Israeli police posted a note at the door to Elia office of the closure decision.

“Israel has become aware that video documentation of its violations and illegal practices constitutes a threat to its false claims that it is a democratic state by exposing its systematic repressive policies against our people,” said Erekat in a statement.

He called on international human rights organizations and federations of journalists to immediately intervene to put a stop to Israel’s measures, hold the Israeli government accountable for its violations and provide protection for Palestinian journalists and media.

K.F./M.K.