Ashrawi: US must hold Israel 'accountable'

The comments came during a meeting with US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, Catherine Russell, at the PLO Headquarters in Ramallah on Tuesday.
 
During the meeting, both parties discussed the role of women in the "peace process," the importance of the women's movement in Palestine, the ongoing negotiations, and Israel's creation of "facts on the ground."
 
"For decades, we have been subjected to a system of direct control and captivity; Israel is violating our human rights and freedoms and annexing Palestinian land and resources, while completing the siege and ethnic cleansing of Jerusalem," Ashrawi said.
 
"The US is not exercising the political will needed to curb Israeli violations of international and humanitarian law. Unless there is an American commitment to treat Palestinians equally and to hold Israel accountable, there is no hope for peace," she added.
 
Ashrawi also noted the accomplishments of women in Palestine in the face of tremendous odds: "Despite the gender discrimination in Palestine and obstacles imposed by Israel's military occupation, among other barriers, Palestinian women persist in their struggle for equality, dignity, and social justice."