Palestine voices concern at Israeli discovery of oilfield near Dead Sea

Palestine voiced concern after Israel declared it has recently discovered an oilfield near the Dead Sea on the borders with Jordan, a senior Palestinian official said here Monday.

Mohamed Ishtiya, chairman of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction, said in a press statement that Israel doesn't have the right to use the oil of the field.

"The oilfield was found in a Palestinian territory that is occupied by Israel, and according to international resolutions, Israel has no right to use it," said Ishtiya, adding "the Palestinians will ask for compensation in case Israel uses the field."

On Sunday, Israel announced that it had recently found an oilfield in the Dead Sea area close to the border between the occupied West Bank and Israel, according to Israeli Radio reports.

The radio unveiled that several Israeli companies are digging for oil in the place and the oilfield worth one billion and two hundred million Israeli Shekels (320 million U.S. dollars).

"According to international laws, the Dead Sea area is an occupied Palestinian territory and it is considered as a main source of natural resources," said Ishtiya, adding "Israel has been using the Dead Sea water since 1948." Endit