On July 1, Israeli occupation forces, using Helicopters, fired missiles on three Islamic Jihad activists in Jenin and Nablus, at midnight.

Minister of Culture and Information, Yasser Abed Rabbo affirmed that “ these Israeli assassinations expose the real intentions of Sharon’s government, concerning the implementation of a ceasefire. Sharon’s government continues to shed Palestinian blood and commit crimes against Palestinian civilians. The Israeli government has not even lifted the siege, which effects the lives of Palestinian civilians on all levels, thus ignoring all agreements, understandings and international resolutions.”

Mr. Yasser Abed Rabbo asserted that “Sharon’s government in its recent crime acts, in the Jenin district, aims to hinder all efforts to simmer the situation. This is met by the utmost commitment to the cease fire agreement, on the Palestinian behalf, whereas it is a number one priority due to the fact that the Palestinian people are the ones whose lives are constantly jeopardized, suffer from siege, closures and demolition.”

Mr. Abed Rabbo continued “In order to manipulate the international public opinion, Israel is promoting the most deceitful propaganda against the Palestinian side by accusing them of violating the cease-fire. Meanwhile, Israel continues to practice all means of aggression against the Palestinian people, using all kinds of weapons, and taking advantage of the international community’s silence.

“How can the Palestinian side stand still and pertain “peace” while the Israeli government continues to carry out assassinations, kill, impose siege?” questioned Mr. Abed Rabbo.

The Minister urged the American Administration as well as the international community to fulfill their roles in compelling Israel to abide by both the Mitchell report and the Tenet agreements, and to not level between the oppressor and the oppressed.