PLO Executive Committee Secretary Yasser Abd Rabbo leveled criticism at Israel's decision to freeze West Bank settlement building temporarily, saying that it was all a show and part of an Israeli manipulation scheme meant to fool the international community.

"This was a policy manipulation meant to circumvent the international position that rejects the settlements and supports the establishment of a Palestinian state within '67 lines," Abd Rabbo said at a press conference he held in Ramallah. (Ali Waked)