Spokesperson for the Prime Minister‘s Office, Ahmad Shami. 

RAMALLAH, Thursday, February 28, 2019 (WAFA) - The Prime Minister‘s Office welcomed today the findings of the United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry on the protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the statement made by the Chair of the Commission, Santiago Canton of Argentina.

The statement acknowledged that the Israeli occupation forces committed violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against the defenseless Palestinian protesters during the Great March of Return and the breaking of the Siege on the Gaza Strip.

"The findings and demands to open an immediate investigation by Israel, the Occupying Power, is a right step in the right direction, yet is not enough for establishing comprehensive accountability. The International community must take its responsibility and provide international protection for the Palestinian citizens in every inch of occupied Palestine," Ahmad Shami, spokesperson to the Office of the Prime Minister stated.

"We urge the international community and all United Nations related institutions to oblige Israel to commit to the fourth Geneva Convention and uphold its legal obligations as a belligerent occupant to protect the Palestinian citizens under its military control," Shami added.

Shami also pointed out that as the one-year anniversary of the Great March of Return is becoming closer, stressing that “all concerned parties must pressure Israel to respond to the repeated requests of the Commission for information and access to Occupied Palestine.”

M.K.