July 4, 2000 / Tammuz 1, 5760 - Rosh Chodesh - The PLO Central Council decided last night to declare a Palestinian state on Sept. 13. Prime Minister Barak said yesterday that if the Palestinian Authority unilaterally declares a state, Israel will annex the areas in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza (Yesha) planned for the settlement blocs. Justice Minister Yossi Beilin said today that the Palestinians will gain nothing from declaring a state that Israel does not recognize.
A senior PA official has called on the Islamic Jihad and Hamas to join forces with the PA in anticipation of what he called "the final battle with Israel." Imad Falouji, responsible for PA Communications, told reporters last night that the battle will develop after Arafat's declaration of a state. He said that there will be a war over Jerusalem, and predicted that "no settler will be able to return to his home." [Source: Arutz Sheva News Service
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