PNA calls for annulling Israeli expulsion of East Jerusalem lawmakers

RAMALLAH, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on Friday called for annulling the Israeli order to expel four pro-Hamas movement's lawmakers who are residents of the occupied East Jerusalem.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a press statement that Israel must stop expelling the four lawmakers, adding "there is a deal with Israel not to arrest, deport or restrict the movement of Jerusalem's residents."

Erekat met on Friday with European Union peace envoy to the Middle East Mark Otte, and showed him the previous letters and statements exchanged between the PNA and Israel over the issue of East Jerusalem's lawmakers.

Erekat warned Israel of the consequences of expelling the four Hamas lawmakers from their homes in East Jerusalem, adding " President Mahmoud Abbas follows the issue with great concern."

The Israeli government has decided to expel four members of the Palestinian parliament, better known as the PLC, including a former minister in the former Hamas government.

On Wednesday, Israel arrested Mohamed Abu Teir, one of the four lawmakers, from his home in the city. On Thursday, a military court extended his detention saying he "illegally stays in Jerusalem."

"The Israeli decision to expel the lawmakers and the former minister, in addition to demolishing houses and constructing settlements in East Jerusalem, means undermining the efforts to release the peace process," said Erekat.

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