JERUSALEM: The European Union’s foreign service condemned remarks on the Holocaust by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as “unacceptable,” echoing criticism on Wednesday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In strikingly blunt language from Brussels, the European External Action Service said in a statement: “The speech Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered on 30 April contained unacceptable remarks concerning the origins of the Holocaust and Israel’s legitimacy.
“Such rhetoric will only play into the hands of those who do not want a two-state solution, which President Abbas has repeatedly advocated.”
Netanyahu called for international condemnation of “anti-Semitism” by Abbas over remarks on Monday in which the Palestinian leader suggested historic persecution of Jews in Europe was caused by their conduct.
The EEAS added: “Antisemitism is not only a threat for Jews but a fundamental menace to our open and liberal societies.
“The European Union remains committed to combat any form of anti-Semitism and any attempt to condone, justify or grossly trivialize the Holocaust.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Mahmoud Abbas of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial on Wednesday after the Palestinian leader suggested in a speech that historic persecution of European Jews had been caused by their conduct.
“It would appear that, once a Holocaust denier, always a Holocaust denier,” Netanyahu said on Twitter. “I call upon the international community to condemn the grave anti-Semitism of Abu Mazen (Abbas), which should have long since passed from this world.”
EU calls Abbas Holocaust remarks “unacceptable“
EU calls Abbas Holocaust remarks “unacceptable“
Iranian attacks wound 16 Qatari citizens: Interior Ministry
The latest round of Iran’s retaliatory attacks had injured 16 Qatari citizens by early Sunday, as the country intercepted more than 60 missiles and over ten drones launched from Iran, according to official data.
From Saturday night to Sunday morning, multiple explosions were heard southwest of the capital city of Doha as Qatar’s air defense systems repeatedly activated to intercept incoming Iranian missiles.
According to data released by Qatar’s Ministry of Defense, since the attacks began on Saturday, Qatar has been targeted by 65 missiles and 12 drones.
Among these, 63 missiles and 11 drones were successfully intercepted before reaching their intended targets while two missiles struck the US military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar and one drone hit an early warning radar facility in the country.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry announced on Sunday that the attacks had wounded 16 of its citizens, all due to scattered missile debris, with limited property damage in some areas.
The ministry urged citizens to remain indoors whenever possible, avoid non-essential outings, and steer clear of any unidentified objects.
Despite Sunday being the first working day of the week in Qatar, a noticeable decrease in vehicles and pedestrians was observed on the streets.
Following the Saturday attack, Qatar closed its airspace and territorial waters, suspended all public events and gatherings, and shifted all schools to remote learning.
Except for military, security, and healthcare systems, most government agencies implemented remote work arrangements.
Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry also advised the private sector to adopt remote work practices where possible.
Meanwhile, the Qatari government continues to send signals of stability.
The Ministry of Defense said it possesses full capabilities to protect national security, with the current security situation remaining stable and under control.
The Interior Ministry announced that security and civil defense forces have entered a state of full emergency readiness, capable of responding to any emergency.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stressed that domestic supplies of daily necessities are enough to meet public demand.
