Statement on Normalization Agreements between the UAE and Israel and between Bahrain and Israel

Please see below statement from Refugees International President Eric Schwartz:

“While I welcome decisions to pursue diplomacy and dialogue, as well as statements from each of the governments committing to work toward a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it would be wrong to ignore a disturbing context in which this is taking place. That context includes years of expansion of Israeli settlements that conflict with the law of belligerent occupation, and a U.S. government peace plan that, if fully implemented, would legitimate that status quo and risk continued humanitarian suffering and violations of the rights of Palestinians. We urge the governments of the United States, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel—and all concerned governments—to press for solutions that are acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians, and which respect human rights, human dignity, and international humanitarian law.”

For more information or to arrange an interview with Eric Schwartz, please contact Sarah Sheffer at ssheffer@refugeesinternational.org.