Tension in the Middle East

Tension has escalated in the Middle East region due to statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Jewish settlements on Palestinian lands, and his affirmation of claims that the Zionist settlements represent historical rights for Jews. The Tel Aviv government nevertheless is still claiming that it wants peace.

The international community in general, along with the patrons of the Middle East peace process and Arab parties involved in the peace negotiations, should take decisive measures to forestall Israel's irresponsible conspiratorial schemes.

We must confront the real danger coming from Netanyahu. We believe that he is carefully planning to usurp the Palestinian lands and properties and to refashion historic Arab and Islamic features in holy places in Palestine.

This Zionist stand contradicts earlier statements by Tel Aviv that Israel wants peace in the Middle East and puts the blame on Palestinians and Arabs for creating obstacles on the path towards peace.

Israel's evil intentions in the region necessitate conducting a political and military feasibility study to counter Tel Aviv's conspiratorial plans in the region, as well as holding comprehensive and serious discussions of the problem in order to obtain results that would help to protect Arab rights.

We would like to convey to the Israeli leaders that as long as they continue establishing new settlements on Arab lands, there will be no peace in the region.

-- The Arab Daily, Abu Dhabi