Gaza – Ma’an – A spokesperson for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) slammed the role of the Palestinian Authority in postponing discussion Saturday of the UN-backed Golstone report by the UN Human Rights Council.

The spokesperson described the PA decision as “irresponsible” and one that deeply harms the Palestinian struggle. He said the report exposed the nature of the Israeli occupation and its continuous violations of human rights in Palestine and that it deserved to be discussed.

In his statement, the PFLP spokesperson said the PA request to delay the Goldstone report was putting to waste what could have been a major tool in the Palestinian struggle, and in fact encourages Israel and Israeli forces to continue to practice oppression against the Palestinian people. “There are no justifications for these actions,” a statement said.

When probed for a rationale PA sources said they wanted “unanimity” in the Human Rights Council on the report, and noted discussion on the matter would have a negative influence on the peace negotiations. According to the PFLP, the move is evidence that the “PA is yielding to US and Israeli directives.”

On Friday Hamas spokesman Taher An-Nunu in Gaza said the PA had asked Pakistan to call for a deferral on the Goldstone report. He called PA conduct a “betrayal of the Palestinians and of the blood of those killed.”