Palestinian officials to discuss response to Jerusalem decision

Palestinian officials told AFP on Friday that among the options to be considered is the potential suspension of the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s (PLO) recognition of Israel.

It said that such a move could call into question a founding principle of the peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians and threaten decades of agreements with Israel, including on security.

The two-day meeting of the Palestinian Central Council will begin late Sunday, with Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas expected to open with a brief address.

Ahmed Majdalani, a senior PLO official, told AFP that a committee created to formulate responses to Trump’s announcement would recommend redefining the Palestinian relationship with Israel.

Among the options, he said, was suspending recognition of Israel, accusing the Jewish state of failing to abide by agreements.

The PLO leadership signed the Oslo Accords with Israel in 1993, formalizing its recognition of Israel.

Later in 2015, the Palestinian Central Council voted to end security cooperation with Israel but it was not implemented, with the rulings not binding on Abbas.