RAMALLAH (WAFA) – Palestinian officials called this week for an international boycott of a tourism conference Israel plans to hold in Jerusalem at the end of next month.

Khouloud Daibes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, called for the boycott, urging international tourism officials not to participate in it mainly because it will be held in Jerusalem.

“It is particularly problematic for international officials to participate in such a conference at this critical time, especially when intense international efforts are underway to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the final status of Jerusalem,” said Daibes.

“The International Court of Justice’s 2004 Advisory Opinion found that Israel’s settlement enterprise (which includes settlement tourism in the Occupied Palestinian Territory) is a grave breach of international law,” she said.

The Palestinian Minister called on all tourism officials and professionals to respect international law and not to be complicit in Israel’s unlawful activities.  “Such steps will help create the necessary momentum for Palestinians and Israelis to end Israel’s occupation and achieve peace, including agreement on the status of Jerusalem.”

The Palestine Liberation Organization has also made similar calls.

R.S./M.A.