New Negotiations With Israel Should Obtain International Guarantee - PCOM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia (PCOM) believes that any new indirect negotiations with Israel on a permanent ceasefire should get clear international guarantee to ensure the Jewish State's commitment to the signing of any agreement. In a statement, the non-governmental organisation said the Palestinian demands were based on basic human rights, which required a solid stance by the international and regional political players in pressuring Israeli occupation to finally end its aggression and siege on Gaza. PCOM noted that throughout two weeks of tough indirect negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis on the Israel-Gaza conflict in Cairo, Israel showed lack of seriousness and intentionally wasted time to circumvent Palestinian demands. The organisation held Israel responsible for the failure of the Cairo negotiations and collapse of ceasefire, claiming that Israel had once again breached the temporary ceasefire agreed upon with the Palestinian factions by resuming strikes on civilian homes. In the statement, PCOM stressed on the right of Palestinians to defend themselves and resist the occupier by all means possible as guaranteed by international laws and conventions. The Palestinians clung on to their legitimate demands in lifting all forms of siege imposed on Gaza and paved the way for the reconstruction of Gaza without any delay or disruption, it said. On another note, PCOM said it placed great value on the brave stance adopted by the Malaysian Government towards the Palestinian cause and the support by Malaysian organisations and the media. According to international reports, Palestine and Israel blamed each other for breaking the temporary truce after the Cairo negotiations between them failed Tuesday. According to PCOM, more than 2,000 people died and 10,000 injured since Israel launched a massive aerial, naval and ground offensive against Gaza on July 8. --BERNAMA