RAMALLAH, West Bank, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- The Fatah Revolutionary Council said it refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish State and has called on Palestinians to actively resist Israel.
Summing up its fifth convention during a three-day session in Ramallah, the council reaffirmed its refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish State, claiming such demands violate international law and human rights conventions, Ma'an news agency said Saturday night.
A statement issued by the council said: "The council affirms its rejection of the so-called Jewish state or any other formula that could achieve this goal. The council also renews its refusal for the establishment of any racist state based on religion in accordance with international law and human rights conventions."
Some Palestinian officials fear that recognizing Israel as a Jewish state may jeopardize the right of return of Palestinian refugees and may lead to discrimination against non-Jewish citizen, Ma'an said.
The council also called on all Palestinians to become actively involved in resisting Israel's occupation, the agency said.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told the council he would not resume peace negotiations with Israel until settlement building on Palestinian land is halted.
He also said Palestinians are not willing to compromise their rights, and seek a just and comprehensive peace, The Jerusalem Post said.
The council said it categorically opposed land swaps between Israel and the Palestinians claiming "illegal settler gangs can't be put on equal footing with the owners of the lands and rights," The Post said.
