Israeli police arrested three Palestinian activists, who were planning to hold a news conference ahead of the election for the Palestinian Authority’s legislative assembly, scheduled for May.
Palestinians saw the arrest that took place in East Jerusalem as a measure to undermine Palestinian democracy and an indication that Israel intends to ban the elections in Jerusalem.
The Israeli intelligence informed the management of St. George Hotel Jerusalem that any activity belonging to the Palestinian Authority is banned and handed them a decision from the Israeli Minister of Public Security which bans any PA-related activity there, according to WAFA.
Fatah movement decried the arrest of the three candidates - Ashraf A’war, Nasser Qous, and Ratiba Natsha - and the ban of the press conference.
Fatah movement spokesman Osama al-Qawasmi stated that the practices of Israel in Jerusalem reflect a fascist, racist and oppressive policy.
He stressed the stance of the movement that Jerusalem is the political capital of Palestinians.
