RAMALLAH, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Industry Minister Arafat Asfour said on Sunday that Israeli authorities are preventing food products from the West Bank from entering East Jerusalem, warning of reciprocal measures if the situation is not resolved soon.
Asfour told the official Voice of Palestine radio station that Israel recently began blocking daily products, processed meats, and their derivatives from entering East Jerusalem.
He argued that Palestinian companies have the right to bring their products into East Jerusalem as part of the Palestinian territories, under the Paris Economic Agreement signed in 1994 between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel to regulate bilateral economic relations.
Asfour called the Israeli measure "politically motivated", claiming it demands entry approval under the guise of exports, which would imply Palestinian recognition of Israeli control over East Jerusalem.
He accused Israel of "manipulating the economic aspect" to strangle Palestinian companies and gain leverage.
Asfour noted that the Palestinian government is working with local and international bodies to counter the measure, but threatened retaliation, saying, "We will respond in kind by preventing Israeli products from entering Palestinian markets."
He expressed hope for a quick resolution, adding, "We do not want to engage in a trade war, as it would result in significant losses. However, if Palestinian manufacturers are forced to enter into such a conflict, they will proceed accordingly."
No official Israeli comment has been issued on the matter.
The Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, while Israel insists on considering a unified Jerusalem its capital. Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967, a move not recognized by the international community. ■
