Palestine Authority declares all understanding with Israel void

West Bank: Palestine president Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority on Tuesday declared it absolved of its commitments under the Oslo peace process, including security understandings.

 “The Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine are absolved, as of today, of all agreements and understandings with the American and Israeli governments,” Mr. Abbas declared in a speech in Ramallah at meeting of officials of the authority, the PLO and Fatah, the political faction that dominates them both.

Mr. Abbas said his move was a responds to the new Israeli government’s push to annex portions of the West Bank.

“The Israeli occupation authority, as of today, has to shoulder all responsibilities and obligations in front of the international community as an occupying power over the territory of the occupied state of Palestine,” Abbas reportedly said.

During his address, which was broadcast on Palestinian television, Abbas also said he was still ready to negotiate with Israel and remains committed to ending the conflict on the basis of a two-state solution.

Back in February, Abbas had threatened to withdraw from agreements back in February, after US president Donald Trump unveiled his Middle East plan, which included the possibility of annexation.