Palestine National Council (PNC) said that the issuance by the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the list of business enterprises supporting settlement in the territories of the state of Palestine is a direct international response to the attempts to legitimize the annexation and the Israeli occupation that was adopted by the so-called American "Deal of the Century".

In a statement issued by PNC Speaker, Mr. Saleem Al-Za’anoun, on 12-2-2020, PNC considered that this important step comes within the framework of besieging and rejecting Israeli colonial settlement activity in Palestine, in compliance with the rules of international law and international humanitarian law, and in compliance with Human Rights Council resolution 31/36 (September 10, 2019), and in line with the International Court of Justice advisory opinion of 2004 regarding the separation wall and settlement, and in compliance with the European Court of Justice decision regarding settlement products issued in November 2019.

PNC called on the parliaments and governments that have links with the business enterprises included in the Blacklist Record issued by the High Commissioner for Human Rights to assume their legal and moral responsibilities, and work with their governments to close the headquarters of the listed companies and their branches in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which violated relevant international laws and decisions.

PNC also called on relevant international institutions, governments, states and parliaments to take legal action against business enterprises whose names are on the blacklist, in accordance with international laws and agreements, which criminalize human rights violations, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention and the additional Protocol, which condemn the occupation in the Palestinian territories and criminalize colonial settlement and human rights violations.

The publication of the Database of the companies obliges everyone to work to prosecute these companies and boycott them, PNC added, because of these companies cooperation with colonial settlement in the occupied Palestinian and Arab lands.

PNC stressed that the specialized Palestinian institutions of authorized jurisdiction will prosecute these companies through the international courts, to sue them for all crimes and violations resulting from the colonial settlement activity they participated, and obligate them to pay compensation to the Palestinian citizens who were affected as a consequence, and this includes the companies participation in plundering the various resources and wealth of the Palestinian people.

It should be noted that the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has issued on 12th of Feb. 2020, databases of a set of companies and bodies, total of 112, working directly and indirectly in support of Israeli settlement in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, and East Jerusalem. The companies include 94 companies in Israel and 18 companies in six other countries.

For this reason, the number of Blacklisted companies operating in the settlements has been reduced. PNC reduced the number of companies in the list from hundreds to 112 companies/enterprises operating in the settlements, due to companies pledged to the Office of the High Commissioner not to renew their contracts to work inside the settlements.

A business enterprise may provide information indicating that it is no longer involved in the relevant listed activity. Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that, based on the totality of the information available, the business enterprise is ceasing or no longer involved in the relevant activity, the business enterprise would be removed from the database.

 Attachment: The Databases of blacklisted business enterprises

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The High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet issued today Wednesday 12th February 2020 a report that includes a list of companies involved in the activities of illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories 1967, in implementation of the mandate entrusted to her and in implementation to the relevant Human Rights Council resolution.

The report identifies 112 business enterprises that have ties with Israeli settlements, 94 of them are in Israel and 18 are in six other countries.

Enclosed is the list of companies that was issued by the High Commissioner of Human Rights.

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After carefully studying the Deal, here is my summary for the 181 pages:

The Deal of the Century calls itself a vision to improve the lives of the Palestinian and Israeli people. The deal came in two frameworks:

1- Political Framework - first 50 pages

2- Economic framework - the rest 130 pages

The Political Framework

I will cover this in bullet points to cover (Jerusalem, Refugees, Prisoners, Borders, Security, International Relations, UN, Sovereignty and State)

Jerusalem

- JERUSALEM, undivided is the capital of Israel.

- Palestinian capital in the section of East Jerusalem (Kafr Aqab, East Shufat, Abu Dis) can be called AlQuds or otherwise.

- Arabs Jerusalemites could choose a political identity separate from Israel or Palestine.

- Palestinian world class touristic zone in Atarot to support Muslim tourism.

- Jerusalem-AlQuds joint tourism Development Authority JTDA

- Multi Latéral Development Bank to administer the funds allocated to peace to prosperity economic plan.

UN and International Resolutions

- The Trump vision does not recite UN Resolutions (General Assembly or Security Council) as the deal clarifies: UN resolutions including 242, have not and will not solve the conflict, those resolutions have enabled political leaders to avoid addressing the complexities of the conflict rather than enabling a realistic path to peace!

- The deal contradicts itself as it says in the last pages, once both parties sign the deal, a UN resolution (SC & GA) will be adopted to terminate the conflict

and the claims to it! The agreement shall end the Palestinian Israeli conflict and all claims, which shall come as a new UNSC and UNGA resolutions!

Sovereignty, Security & International Relations

- Sovereign powers, Security, territorial waters and airspace is Israel’s responsibility

- Sovereignty on Roads, Borders, Airspace and Entry Points is for Israel

- No Port No Airport

- Regional Security Cooperation: Israel is NO threat to the region, New chapter on the Middle East history where courageous leaders understand the shared threats had created a regional cooperation, Israël is not a threat to the region whatsoever. Threat from Iran and the shared interests between Israel, the Gulf, Palestine, Jordan & Egypt should form « OSCME » organisation for Security and cooperation in the Middle East.

- Security Criteria (Review committee) and (Regional Security Committee) Israel decides when Palestine has fulfilled the Security Criteria and if it is eligible for a Statehood status

- If Palestine meets the security criteria, then the USA will reopen thé PLO office in Washington, will open a mission for the PNA and later an embassy in AlQuds.

- Palestine will be able to establish diplomatic relations. But can’t join all Int. organizations that contradicts commitment to demilitarization and cessation of political and judicial warfare against the state of Israel!

- Palestine can’t join international organizations without the consent of Israel.

- Palestine should take no action & dismiss all actions against Israel in ICC and ICJ or Interpol.

- Peace Education (textbooks, curriculum) joint commission on acceptance and tolerance.

- Arab countries and Palestine should cease to support BDS or any anti Israeli initiative.

- Israel, Palestine and Arab countries should counter Hezbollah, ISIS, Hamas.

- Palestinian negotiators must commit to non violence, recognize the state of Israel.

- Security portion of this Vision was developed as presented by successive Israeli governments to the United States.

State

- Palestine, fully demilitarized State

- Nation State of Palestine and nation state of the Jewish people

- Nation state of the Jewish people to be recognized throughout the world

- Future Palestinian State (Demilitarized, self governed, legal status, innovative network of roads, bridges, and tunnels) that enable freedom of movement.

- In order to enjoy statehood, Palestinians have to meet the security criteria and include peace in the Palestinian curriculum in addition to terminating the payments to families of Martyrs and Prisoners (the plan refers to them as Terrorists)

- Normalization with all countries

- Transportation contiguity greatly reduces the need for checkpoints!

- International Fund for (tunnels, port, roads, bridges, fences, overpasses, rail links, border crossings)

Borders

- Land Swap for populated areas include the triangle communities to become part of the state of Palestine.

- Borders and access roads under Israeli sovereignty

- Wall will be aligned to match new borders

- Crossing Board - security personnel shall wear civilian uniforms

Prisoners

- Prisoners will be released: except for those linked to killing Israelis directly or indirectly.

- Those will sign a pledge to promote co existence and they can’t seek asylum in a 3rd country.

- Condition of release: All Israeli captives have to be returned to Israel.

-

Refugees

- Palestinian & Jewish refugees as a result of conflict

- The vision equates between Palestinian and Jewish refugees

- A fair, just and realistic solution to the Palestinian/Jewish refugees must be found with no mention of 194. No right of return to Israel. Eligibility to refugees’ rights; individuals must be registered by UNRWA.

- 3 options: become citizens of the country they are in, resettle in a 3rd country or move to the new state of Palestine.

- The Palestinian refugees Trust will be created for compensation.

- Compensation for Israeli refugees, compensation for the state of Israel for the cost of absorbing Jewish refugees. Jewish refugees’ solution must be implemented through an international mechanism separate from this peace agreement.

- Upon signing, UNRWA will be terminated.

- Refugee camps will be dismantled and replaced with permanent housing.

Gaza

- Gaza (Demilitarized, Disarmed)

- Once Israel decides that Palestinians had met the security criteria, Gaza shall have an Artificial island on its shores to host an airport and port, a model like Singapore is imagined for Gaza.

Settlements

- Settlements/Israeli enclaves shall become part of the state of Israel - no uprooting

- Access routes under Israeli security responsibility

Jordan Valley

- Jordan valley under Israeli sovereignty.

- Existing agricultural enterprises controlled or owned by Palestinians shall continue after licenses or leases by Israel.

ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK

- 1 million new jobs over 10 years

- 50 billion investments over 10 years

- Reduce poverty by 50%

- Double GDP

Trade & Prosperity

- Free trade Zone between Jordan and Palestine/ exporting goods through a Jordanian airport

- Free Trade agreement between Palestine and the US.

- Port facilities in Gaza in the future if Israel decides that Palestinians had met their security criteria. For now, Ashdod and Haifa ports. Fast track transportation system under Israeli security control under applicable tariff agreements. Charging and collection of taxes is the responsibility of Palestine. No rental fees.

- Aqaba port in Jordan Fast track transportation system for Palestine, taxes are Palestinian responsibility. Palestinian state pays rental fees.

- Gaza Port & Airport: 5 years after the agreement port on an artificial island.

Tourism

- A vision for a prosperous tourism boosted economy with hotels

- AlQuds World Class Touristic zone in Atarot

- Dead Sea resort area for Palestine under Israeli sovereignty with linking road to Palestine. The resort should not alter the distribution of natural resource between Jordan and Israel.

- Transportation contiguity through Bridges, Tunnels and a road network greatly reduces the need for checkpoints!

Water, Electricity and Gas

- The vision recognizes mutual water rights with emphasis on technologies and desalination projects for waste water management.

- International initiatives to improve delivery of water, electricity, movement of goods and job creation

Citizens, Government & Economy

- The vision introduces complete business plans in excel sheets for national and regional investment projects to meet Economic potential, empower people, government reform. Here the vision focuses on:

1- Role of Private sector

2- Role of regional countries (Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon)

3- Importance of initiatives and international support to improve services in Water, Electricity, Gas, Employment and Trade.

It is interesting that the vision (Peace to Prosperity) in its economic framework had introduced strategic projects with detailed proposals that included numbers, target groups, shareholders, budgets:

- Energy Projects (Gas, Electricity, Power plant Gaza, desalination waste water project)

- Touristic projects (Hotels, roads, infrastructure, companies and services)

- Governance projects, proposals include Governmental projects to ensure Accountability, Transparency, Anti-corruption, Institution building (Reform, E government, Judicial independence, accountability, Transparency, Civil society)

- Cultural, Arts, Athletes & Cultural projects (Cultural center and the Palestine museum)

- Women & Youth empowerment

- Health projects to guarantee quality, availability and affordability

- Educational Projects: STEM projects (Science, technology, engineering and Mathematics) and Establishing at least one Palestinian university in the global top 150

- Technical and vocational education, internships and trainings, Entrepreneurship and innovation, Small-Medium businesses

- Promoting private sector growth in (Tourism, Agriculture, Housing, Manufacturing and natural resources)

- Improving the legal and regulatory framework to support private-sector growth and create new economic opportunities.

- Creating a better business environment Property Rights, Legal and Tax Framework, Capital Markets, and Monetary Policy, International Trade and Foreign Direct Investment.

Conclusion:

Peace to Prosperity is an American attempt to achieve a Zionist vision in the Palestinian society, designed by the Israel, aiming to be implemented through the private sector. It includes an Economic vision for Palestine and the region and the Middle East.

This Deal/Vision is a New Marshal Plan that will be implemented over 10 years. It consists of three initiatives that will support distinct pillars of the Palestinian society: the economy, the people, and the government. With the potential to facilitate more than $50 billion in new investment over ten years, the Trump administration claims that Peace to Prosperity represents the most ambitious and comprehensive international effort for the Palestinians to date.

It is important to note that the proposed projects are drawn from private sector proposals, government planning documents, independent analysis, and the work of previous studies from organizations such as the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, the Office of the Quartet, and others.

Studying the proposed plan, I witnessed a lot of creative thinking, innovation, Technology, pragmatism, modernity and a lot of dreams/visions which were produced professionally to confiscate Palestinian rights and annex land. The Economic framework will look attractive/seducing to many, nevertheless, any Deal/Vision for Peace based on international references and UN resolutions on 1967 borders could have achieved much more economic benefits than those presented in the Trump vision.

Trump & Netanyahu are not waiting for the Palestinian approval on this deal, the announcement came as a provocative short notice for the Palestinian people that this Israeli/American vision is already underway to confiscate/annex what remains on the ground. Under the moto of the 2 states solution, they are taking the conflict to a 1 state solution where the Palestinian people will be treated as second class citizens, Palestinians will stay here and no Palestinian will accept to be party to this deal of annexation.

They will say, Palestinians are wasting a chance for peace, allow me to highlight that the Trump administration uses the term “Facilitator” instead of “Mediator” as they are perfectly aware of the role of the mediator in trying to bring the sides of the conflict to a common ground, they had abandoned their role as mediators. This is a blunt confession from the Trump’s team that this is a business deal rather than a peace deal.

The last lines of the vision say, and I quote:

“While the vision is ambitious, it is achievable. The future of the Palestinians is one of huge promise and potential.”

With the following words, the Trump vision end: “The Palestinian story does not end here. Their story is just being written”.

We, the people of Palestine, alone are entitled to write/narrate our story of Liberation, Freedom, Dignity, Resilience and Peace.

The Palestine National Council (PNC) renewed its firm rejection of any plans, deals to be or attempts to harm the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, which were stipulated in the relevant international legitimacy resolutions and guaranteed by the principles and provisions of international law.

In a press release issued today, the PNC called on the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to implement all decisions of the PNC and Central Council, foremost of which is the decision to end the transitional phase with all its political, security and economic obligations towards the Israeli occupation, and take the necessary steps to activate and escalate the resistance and struggle in all forms against the Israeli occupation, to defense the Palestinian people's inalienable rights, which Trump Administration and the Israeli occupation are trying to liquidate through the so-called "Deal of the Century", which it’s intended to announce its details soon.

PNC requested the Arab and Islamic countries and their parliaments, the Arab Parliamentary Union, the Arab Parliament and the Islamic Parliamentary Union to adhere and adhere to what was decided by successive Arab and Islamic summits, and to take decisions and adequate steps to reject and confront any declaration, plan or project that violates Palestinian rights, including self-determination, return, and establishing the independent full sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international legitimacy resolutions.

PNC also called on the international and regional parliamentary unions to declare their position rejecting attempts to harm the rights of the Palestinian people to freedom, independence and living in their independent state like the rest of the world peoples, and to take practical measures to support the Palestinian people to defense their right to self-determination on their land.

PNC called on the Secretary-General of the United Nations to assume its responsibilities, which are stipulated in the UN Charter in defending the decisions of the international organization, and take legal measures to hold accountable all those who violate these decisions, and those who seek to destroy the possibility to bring peace to the region, implant the causes of chaos and instability, and jeopardize security International peace.

PNC informed the world's parliaments and federations of the seriousness of the new Israeli settlement measures, which come in the context of confiscating inalienable Palestinian rights, in various ways, foremost of which is the confiscation of land and the transfer of land to settlers / colonists in the territories of the occupied Palestinian state.

In identical messages sent by PNC Speaker, Saleem Al-Za’anoon to the heads of the Arab, Islamic, African, Asian parliamentary unions, the Arab Parliament, the European Parliament, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and the European and Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary assemblies, he called for the mobilization of a broader international refusal, and to confront the settler occupation’s policy, projects, and procedures in nibbling and annexing Palestinian land, in addition to confronting the displacement of Palestinian people from their lands and deprive them of their natural wealth and possessions.

In its letter, PNC warned that the annexation of the Jordan Valley and the so-called natural habitats will make it impossible to establish the State of Palestine with its capital, Jerusalem, on the borders of 4th of June 1967, and this is a systemic failure to endeavors for a two-state solution, and will lead to turning the occupation into a permanent colonial state, which is a gross violation of the principles and rules of international law and international legitimacy resolutions, the latest of which is a decision of United Nations Security Council No. 2334.

PNC affirms that Israel is accelerating the pace in controlling the lands of the territory of the State of Palestine, using excuses that are not supported by legal argument, such as using the terms “natural habitats”, “military training bases”, “state lands” and “national parks” …etc, which are nothing but names occupation gave to plans and projects for plundering Palestinian land, and stopping Palestinian expansion in it, in favor of settlements.

PNC stresses that Israel would not have committed these violations that international humanitarian law classifies as war crimes and crimes against humanity, without the support of the American Administration, whose ambassador in Israel announced its support for the annexation of the Palestinian West Bank and passing of the so-called "deal of the century", depending on what the US Secretary of State announced about the "legitimacy" of the Israeli settlements.

In the absence of accountability and sanctions, Israel will continue to commit such crimes and challenge international law, the PNC affirmed. Lately Netanyahu government classified 20% of the Palestinian Valleys’ as “natural habitats” and “national parks”, besides its continued constructing of settlements, threats to demolish all Palestinian homes in Area "C", and forced displacement of its residents.

PNC affirms that this method is used as an excuse to annex the land, which is the goal of the Israeli Minister of War approval to establish 7 and expand other 12 habitats, some of which are located on private land for Palestinians, as a step to impose control and de facto annexation of the Palestinian valleys.

The PNC called on the parliamentary unions to take practical measures to ensure adherence to the principles and rules of international law, implement relevant international legitimacy decisions, and exert sufficient pressure on the Israeli (Parliament) Knesset, to stop its legalizing of these occupation policies, and to stop justifying them with legal concepts and terms, which makes the Knesset a partner in its commission.

In its letter, PNC explained the consequences of the Israeli Minister of War decision to study the registration of Palestinian lands in the area named "C", in the Land Registry of the Israeli Ministry of Justice, instead of the so-called "Civil Administration", and then followed up with establishing of a new Israeli body to consolidate settlement in the territories of the State of Palestine, However, this Body is a new annexation and settlement tool.

The ways and means of Israel occupation controlled 700 sq km as natural habitats in the Palestinian West Bank, the PNC explained, and most of which are located in Area C, which is 3456 sq km, and constitutes 61% of the West Bank, thus Israeli occupation has controlled 70% of the total lands of these areas, including land, water, and roads.

The Speaker of the Palestine National Council (PNC), Saleem Al-Za'anoon, said that the statements of Trump administration's ambassador David Friedman, to the Israeli settlers' government regarding the so-called "deal of the century", are an extension of the policy of Trump's aggressive administration and its Zionist team towards the rights of the Palestinian people.

In a press statement today Thursday, Al-Za'anoon confirmed that everything the US administration and the Israeli occupation government did and still dong would not change the legal and historical status of our eternal people's right to their lands, self-determination, return to homeland, and establishing the independent sovereign state with its capital, the city of Jerusalem, in accordance with the legitimate International resolutions related.

Peace and security in the region will not be achieved, as long as this US administration remains a partner to the Israeli occupation in its policies, settlement procedures, and crimes against our people, our land and sanctities, Al-Za'anoon added, Israeli occupation crimes are waiting accountability for them in the International Criminal Court.

It is noteworthy that Friedman's statements about annexing parts of the West Bank as a stage of the Israeli-American project to liquidate the Palestinian issue came during a joint press conference with Netanyahu and his Army Minister Naftali Bennett, in occupied Jerusalem.