Palestinian negotiator: Israel to destroy peace talks by settlement activities

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said Thursday that Israel will destroy its peace talks with the Palestinians if it announces any new plans for settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. "We strongly condemn this matter and consider it a blast of the peace process," Erekat told Xinhua. Earlier, Israel radio reported that new invitations for tenders for construction in the settlements would be announced after the release of the third batch of long-held Palestinian prisoners on Sunday. The move apparently aims to appease hawkish forces in the country who oppose the release of prisoners involved in killing Israelis. When their peace talks resumed with Israel in July under the brokerage of Washington, the Palestinians agreed to suspend their bids for membership in international organizations in exchange for the release of 104 prisoners jailed for more than two decades. Israel has released almost half of the inmates so far. Erekat said the price for releasing the 104 prisoners was "very expensive," threatening that the Palestinian side will restart efforts to join 63 international bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Those who fear the ICC should stop committing war crimes, including the construction of settlements," Erekat said, referring to Israel. The Palestinians seek a future state in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, with its capital in east Jerusalem. Israel Radio quoted sources as saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S. request to postpone construction announcements for weeks. The invitations for tenders are expected to meet an international outcry when they are issued.