PRESS RELEASE 

PLO Executive Committee 

Department of Culture and Information

March 25, 2014

Dr. Ashrawi: “The United States must stand up for international law”

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee member, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, met with Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Catherine Russell, at the PLO Headquarters in Ramallah.

Dr. Ashrawi highlighted the accomplishments of women in Palestine in the face of tremendous odds: “Despite the gender discrimination in Palestine and obstacles imposed by Israel’s military occupation, among other barriers, Palestinian women persist in their struggle for equality, dignity, and social justice.”

Both parties discussed the role of women in the “peace process,” the importance of the women’s movement in Palestine, the ongoing negotiations, and Israel’s facts on the ground.

Dr. Ashrawi stressed, “For decades, we have been subjected to a system of direct control and captivity; Israel is violating our human rights and freedoms and annexing Palestinian land and resources, while completing the siege and ethnic cleansing of Jerusalem.”

“The U.S. is not exercising the political will needed to curb Israeli violations of international and humanitarian law.  Unless there is an American commitment to treat Palestinians equally and to hold Israel accountable, there is no hope for peace,” concluded Dr. Ashrawi.