RAMALLAH, November 23, 2011 (WAFA) – The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) considered the Israeli withholding of Palestinian tax revenues as “state piracy,” an illegal action and a breach of the signed agreements between PLO and Israel, Wednesday said a statement by the PLO Department of International Relations.

The Department urged the international community to immediately intervene and force Israel to release the tax revenues, which are Palestinian money.

The Department sent out letters to international community institutions, state parliaments and factions, noting that Israel collects the tax revenues on goods imported by Palestinians and entering through its ports according to signed agreements with the PLO and under international supervision.

The letters said Israel is imposing immoral and inhumane sanctions against the Palestinians who are pursuing their just non-violent struggle to end occupation, establish an independent Palestinian state and gain full United Nations membership.

Israel continues to withhold more than $100 million in tax revenues in a punitive measure after Palestine won its UNESCO membership and the Palestinians resumed the discussion of internal reconciliation plans.

R.Q./F.J.