Jumblat: We Should Unite behind Palestinian Sacrifices

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat condemned on Monday the Israeli assault against the Palestinian Gaza Strip, demanding that efforts be exerted to reach a ceasefire.

He said in his weekly editorial in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa website: “Now is not the time to settle scores with Hamas and other Palestinian factions, but we should unite behind the Palestinian sacrifices.”

He lamented the international community's failure to take action to end the Israeli campaign, adding that a settlement to end the unrest requires a comprehensive ceasefire and opening all Arab and Israeli border crossings.

Jumblat called for an end to the Israeli siege of Gaza and the release of tens of thousands of prisoners.

He also urged an end to the “pointless” political negotiations with Israel.

“The negotiations have proven their futility because of Israel's refusal to reach a compromise,” said the MP, adding that the talks “are a series of charades conducted by American mediators.”

Furthermore, he remarked that launching the role of the Palestinian national unity government “remains the only choice at the moment that will help unite visions on the conflict in Gaza and permanently end internal divisions.”

At least 172 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,230 wounded in the seventh day of the Israeli assault against the Gaza Strip.