Saudi newspaper urges Palestinians to accept Trump's 'Deal of the Century'

In the piece entitled 'A gleam of hope as we recall the Nakba', the editor-in-chief of Saudi newspaper Arab News urged Palestinians to 'give peace a chance'.
2 min read
15 May, 2019
Jared Kushner's Middle East peace plan will be unveiled after Ramadan [Getty]
The editor-in-chief of a Saudi newspaper is urging Palestinians to keep an open mind towards the 'Deal of the Century' - the Middle East peace plan being devised by President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner.

Faisal Abbas wrote in Arab News on Wednesday that while the cards have been stacked against the Palestinians, Kushner's plan just may reverse the situation and make peace more possible.

The column ran as Palestinians hold protests to mark the 71st anniversary of the "nakba," or "catastrophe," which commemorates their mass displacement during the war that led to Israel's creation.

In the piece entitled "A gleam of hope as we recall the Nakba", Abbas wrote there's a "strong counter argument that it is time to think outside the box".

He added: "This may be the last chance to secure a two-state solution. The Palestinians should negotiate hard, and then take what they can to secure a nation state for future generations."

The article ends on the note "Let us give peace a chance," arguing Saudi Arabia "home of the two holy shrines" is key in persuading Arab countries to back the deal.

The full details of the plan will be revealed at the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in June.

The plan, despite not being fully unveiled, has already been criticised for a host of reasons. Palestinian leaders have already dismissed it, saying it is blatantly biased in favour of Israel.

Although the plan's details remain secret, its broad outlines have gradually emerged.

In exchange for a massive infusion of aid and investment financed by wealthy Arab Gulf states, Palestinians would have to accept illegal Israeli settlements deep inside the occupied West Bank.

Other alleged clauses include Israel's permanent control over the Jordan Valley and a long-term Israeli military presence in the occupied West Bank.

Kushner's close ties to right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu have heightened Palestinian suspicions.

Trump has been pushing a hard-line policy that favours Israel.

The US leader has recognised the divided city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital - something that was condemned by most countries in the world - while he also acknowledged Israel's illegal claims to the Syrian Golan Heights territories.

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